New York Knicks: Complete grades for the 2019 NBA offseason
Julius Randle signing
Plenty of New York Knicks fans were hoping to land a former New Orleans Pelicans big man this offseason. However, the one they had hoped to land, Anthony Davis, was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Instead, the Knicks signed Julius Randle to a three-year, $63 million deal.
While fans will be disappointed that the team missed out on max free agents, Randle is an excellent signing.
For starters, his contract isn’t outrageous. Check out some of the deals handed out to less accomplished players in recent and the Knicks could have one of the biggest steals in this year’s free agency class.
Randle also turns only 25-years old in November, so the Knicks are getting him as he heads into his prime. On the court, Randle also fills a major need.
Power forward was a dark hole for New York last season. Without Kristaps Porzingis, it was a revolving door at the four throughout the 2018-19 season. Now, on a nightly basis, David Fizdale will be able to pen Julius Randle into that spot.
Randle is coming off a career season with the Pelicans. He averaged 21.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.6 blocks per game. Those are All-Star type numbers and in the Eastern Conference, that All-Star berth could be earned.
His improving jump shot is also a reason for optimism, as he makes for a great partner alongside presumed starting center, Mitchell Robinson.
While Randle leaves something to be desired defensively, he presents a big upgrade for New York. The money was fair and the deal has a team option for year three. That means Randle could re-enter free agency heading into his age-27 season after hitting the next service time plateau.
This was a win for both sides as Randle will have an opportunity to showcase his ability and the Knicks got him on a relatively team-friendly deal.