New York Knicks: 5 offseason roster moves they need to make

New York Knicks offseason move No. 1: Guarantee Julius Randle

The Knicks signed Julius Randle to a three-year contract, with the last year non-guaranteed. This was a case of the Knicks taking an insurance policy in the final year of the deal. The way that Randle played last season should mean the Knicks guarantee next season’s $19.8 million.

Randle struggled in the playoffs against the Hawks but that was due to a lack of a consistent third option to take the pressure off him. He still averaged good numbers but his efficiency went down thanks to the pressure exerted by their defense.

In the regular season, Randle averaged 24.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game. He took the pressure of starting point guard Elfrid Payton. This meant that when Randle was stopped, Payton was then unable to perform at a level that could help the Knicks. With Payton out of contract, this will surely cost him a spot on the roster next season.

If the Knicks can put another star alongside Randle to help spread the load around then this will make Randle and Rose’s jobs easier, should the veteran point guard decide to re-sign with the franchise. If Randle is guaranteed, this will make the team hard to beat again.