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Julius Randle’s representation switch has Knicks fans speculating about trade

ByJordanna Clark|
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 02: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks looks on before a free throw during game two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden on May 02, 2023 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the Miami Heat 111-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 02: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks looks on before a free throw during game two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden on May 02, 2023 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the Miami Heat 111-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

It was a typical Monday afternoon in September until it wasn’t. New York Knicks All-Star Julius Randle, who was a CAA client, has signed with WME Sports.

Maybe if the CAA wasn’t intertwined with the Knicks, the Randle news would’ve come and gone quietly. Instead, fans have scrambled together to ponder what it might mean and if the switch reflects Randle’s relationship with New York. After all, team president Leon Rose is a CAA product.

Randle spent most of his nine-year career with the agency, and in his 10th season, he’s turning over a new leaf.

Does it mean the Knicks are open to trading Randle? Does it mean Randle’s relationship with the Knicks has taken a wrong turn? Does it mean Randle wants to leave the Knicks?

Put those questions aside, as there seems to be a more straightforward explanation for why Randle signed with WME Sports.

Knicks’ Julius Randle surprisingly leaves CAA, signs with WME Sports

Andrew Thomas, a basketball marketing agent, left CAA in 2022 for WME Sports. He had worked closely with Randle since the forward was with the Lakers, and the two have reunited.

Ironically enough, WME Sports represents Joel Embiid, who also used to be with CAA. Luka Doncic, Scottie Barnes, and Chet Holmgren are other big-name NBA players represented by the agency.

Randle has a player option after the 2024-25 season, and since he signed his four-year extension, there’s always been the possibility he could leave in free agency. A lot can happen in the next two seasons, so it’s hard to determine if the switch could mean he isn’t looking to stay in New York. If he does re-sign with the Knicks, the organization isn’t going to get a CAA discount.

For now, hold off on the Julius Randle trade proposals. New York has shown a commitment to the forward, and there hasn’t been anything additional reported to believe that’s changed.

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