New York Knicks: 3 blockbuster trades involving Julius Randle

2. Cody Zeller

Before being too quick to write this scenario off, this one could be one of the most simple, yet effective ways for the New York Knicks to trade Julius Randle.

The Charlotte Hornets have made a few steps forward after losing their franchise player in Kemba Walker. Instead of doing a proper tank job, they chose the “overpaying” route to entice a few free agents their way.

Cody Zeller is actually quite underrated in today’s NBA. Although lacking the ability to expand his range beyond the arc, which most big men choose to do nowadays, Zeller is an effective center with above-average per 36 numbers.

Despite not living up to his pre-draft hype, Zeller has become a serviceable player in the league. He is fresh off a career-best year, averaging 11.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game in just 23.1 minutes of playing time.

After signing a pretty hefty contract in 2016, Zeller is about to become a free agent in 2021. His stint on the Knicks could be just the push he needs, as players tend to exceed expectations while nearing free agency.

Michael Jordan and the Hornets will receive a player that is in desperate need of a facilitating point guard like LaMelo Ball to feed him the basketball in the paint. Due to not being an attractive free agent destination, the Hornets can choose whether to pick up Randle’s team-option for 2021-22 or not.

Randle was sometimes left alone on the Knicks, though a team with a proven scorer like Gordon Hayward can provide him with a few moments of rest throughout the games. Add the plethora of potent guards that the Hornets possess, and Randle’s Christmas wish for help is now a reality.