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2022 NBA Offseason: Predicting 3 potential NBA trades

By Jack Simone

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 10: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks blocks the shot of Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 10, 2020 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 10: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks blocks the shot of Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 10, 2020 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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2022 NBA Offseason: Predicting 3 potential NBA trades
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 04: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks reacts to the loss with teammates Evan Fournier #13 and Obi Toppin #1 late in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Madison Square Garden on December 04, 2021 in New York City. The Denver Nuggets defeated the New York Knicks 113-99, 2022 NBA Offseason: Predicting 3 potential NBA trades. 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /

2022 NBA Offseason: Predicting 3 potential NBA trades: Julius Randle

Trail Blazers receive: Julius Randle, Evan Fournier

Knicks receive: Eric Bledsoe, Keon Johnson, 2023 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected), 2022 Second-Round Pick

Now, on the spectrum of realism, this trade is definitely much closer to the unrealistic side of things. That being said, this deal could actually be beneficial for both sides.

The New York Knicks had a very down season this year, and it’s looking like they are going to miss the playoffs. A big part of that has been the worsening play of Julius Randle.

With the Eastern Conference rapidly improving, it’s clear that the Knicks are simply a cut below the rest. So instead of continuing on with their current core, why not clear up cap space and hit the reset button?

This deal would see them shed huge chunks of salary, add a couple of picks, and start a much-needed rebuild around RJ Barrett and the rest of their young guys.

On the flip side, the Portland Trail Blazers have made it clear that they want to build around Damian Lillard. Since they likely won’t be able to snag any free agents this summer, trading for two distressed assets could sneakily be a great idea.

Sure, Randle had a down year, but maybe he just needs to not have the ball in his hands as much. Instead of being the primary option in New York, forced to take on a ton of ball-handling duties, he’d be the second option in Portland, with Lillard handling the ball most of the time.

And as for Evan Fournier, he had a down year, but the Trail Blazers could easily take a chance on him and his shooting. If he can get back to playing at his previous level, he’d be an ideal player next to Lillard.