Julius Randle has right mindset amid Knicks-Joel Embiid trade rumors
Julius Randle’s going into his fifth season with the Knicks, so he knows a thing or two about dealing with the New York media and the endless rumors. Although the Joel Embiid trade rumors are swirling, Randle doesn’t seem to be fazed by them.
Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Embiid is the Knicks’ No. 1 priority (subscription required) and that the team’s willing to offer Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, Mitchell Robinson, Evan Fournier, and a few first-round picks for the reigning MVP.
That report could discourage the players mentioned above (except for Fournier), which could hurt New York at the beginning of a pivotal season.
What does Randle think of the Embiid rumors? To sum it up, not much.
Julius Randle on the Embiid trade rumor -- and Knicks being in star chase rumors: "We’ve been in every one since I’ve been here, good or bad. It’s always a rumor."
— Steve Popper (@StevePopper) October 25, 2023
Julius Randle comments on Joel Embiid-New York trade rumors
Julius Randle landed in NYC because the Knicks didn’t sign Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in the 2019 offseason, prompting the front office to turn their attention to the forward and sign him to a three-year, $63 million contract. New York swung and missed out on two stars but still managed to get a soon-to-be All-NBA/All-Star player in Randle.
Less than a year after Randle signed with New York, Leon Rose took over as team president. The goal since then has been to bring a star to the city, using Rose’s CAA connections to help them do so. They haven’t made their big move yet, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see Randle included in the deal if they do.
As NBA players know all too well, the league is a business. Randle wouldn’t be doing himself any good if he worried over which stars New York has been linked to and what it could mean for his future. If a trade happens, it happens. All he can do is focus on the present and help the Knicks win basketball games.
Hopefully, the trade rumors won’t disrupt the locker room as the season progresses. That’s the last thing that Julius Randle and New York need to happen.