2019 NBA free agency: 5 potential landing spots for Julius Randle

By Simon Smith | Jun 20, 2019

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 06: Julius Randle #30 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts after making a three point basket against the Chicago Bulls at United Center on February 06, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

4. New York Knicks

Unquestionably, the first port of call for the New York Knicks this summer will be their long-heralded pursuit of Kevin Durant. With Kyrie Irving also a possibility to call Madison Square Garden home, it goes without saying that the Knicks face a very tense and drama-filled couple of weeks.

However, if their ultimate plans don’t pan out, the Knicks will need to quickly shift their focus to the rest of the free agency field. One name that has surfaced recently is that of Randle, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post:

"“If the stars don’t align for the Knicks, [team president Steve] Mills could take his $74 million in cap space and try one-year deals with some of the better free agents. Or in a long-term deal, pursue former Laker and Pelican Julius Randle, whom they like, or take a flier on former No. 2 pick Jabari Parker, who has been an injury-riddled bust.”"

If he were to land in New York, Randle would clearly form an intriguing frontcourt partnership with second-year center Mitchell Robinson, alongside the rest of their young core. Holders of the No. 3 overall selection draft selection, the Knicks currently have the most cap space in the league, and thus have the potential to make some significant noise.

So while he’s certainly not their No. 1 choice, the addition of Randle on a lucrative, possibly short-term deal, could be worth the gamble for the Knicks.