New York Knicks: Why they should trade Julius Randle

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 11: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks in action against Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors during a game at Madison Square Garden on April 11, 2021 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Raptors 102-96. 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 Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 11: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks in action against Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors during a game at Madison Square Garden on April 11, 2021 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Raptors 102-96. 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 Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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Julius Randle, New York Knicks
New York Knicks, Julius Randle Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images /

Let’s take a look at what the New York Knicks could get for Julius Randle

The NBA is expected to have full capacity arenas during the next regular season. Therefore, it should be expected that Randle won’t shoot at the same rate as he did this past regular season. Consequently, it is best if the New York Knicks put Randle on the trading block as this is the highest his value will most likely be.

If the team decides to put Randle on the trading block, teams like the Golden State Warriors and the Portland Trailblazers should be interested in Randle’s services. The Warriors are reportedly looking to add veterans to their roster.

John Hollinger of The Athletic stated that the Warriors were contemplating ($$$) acquiring Pascal Siakam of the Toronto Raptors. Hollinger stated that the Golden State Warriors would offer James Wiseman and the 7th overall pick in the NBA draft for Siakam.

The Warriors’ desire to add veterans to their roster could allow the Knicks to sneak into the fray as Randle is an seven-year veteran. As a result, they might be able to get the same package that the warriors are offering to Toronto for Siakam.

If the Knicks can get that package, they could keep Wiseman and make him part of the core with RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. On the other hand, if they don’t see Wiseman as part of the future, they could either trade him for draft picks or another veteran player.

For example, the Kings may lose Richaun Holmes this off-season as he is a unrestricted free agent. Losing Richaun Holmes leaves a vacant hole at center, which Wiseman could fill for them. Hence, they could offer Sacramento Wiseman for the number nine pick.

Potentially adding a number nine pick would hypothetically give the Knicks four picks in the first round of the 2021 NBA draft. Increasing the number of draft picks they have gives them a better shot to land a superstar.

However, if the Knicks don’t find the Warriors’ package enticing enough, they could approach Portland about Randle for a CJ McCollum trade. McCollum has proven to be a more consistent player, shooting 45.6 percent from the field in the five seasons before the 2020-21 campaign on 18.3 shots per game.

The shooting percentage allowed him to score 21.7 points per game. This trade could work as Damian Lillard wants the Portland Trailblazers to shake up the roster because he believes that they can’t win a championship with their current players.

Therefore, CJ McCollum would be Portland’s most significant trade chip. In conclusion, Randle’s contract situation, combined with Randle’s expected decline in statistics, makes it the perfect time for the New York Knicks to trade him.

Next. Knicks: 3 bold predictions for the offseason. dark