It has been a terrific summer for the New York Knicks, who have made moves to drastically improve their roster but they may not be done just yet. All-Star Julius Randle is eligible for an extension that would keep him with the Knicks, though the cost is the big question.
ESPN cap expert Bobby Marks suggested that the Knicks should offer Randle a 3-year, $100 million extension, believing that it will be closer to his market value. That is debatable since similar all-star forwards, such as Pascal Siakam, have been able to command at least $42 million a season on a new contract. After Jalen Brunson took below his maximum to extend with the Knicks and Mikal Bridges is expected to do the same, there will likely be pressure on Randall to take less as well.
In fact, the Knicks might not be willing to pay that much, with other teams potentially balking at paying him that much too, not unlike Brandon Ingram's situation with the New Orleans Pelicans. Still, expecting him to take $33 million a year might not be a realistic expectation for Randle for several reasons.
Will Julius Randle take less to stay with the New York Knicks?
Despite Brunson and Bridges taking less or being willing to take less, Randall may not be as willing. After all, he has struggled with injuries throughout his career, including missing all but one game during his rookie season and 36 games last season. He is also a year and a half older and will turn 30 next season. As a result, his signing for below-market value now, as Marks suggests, would mean that he probably wouldn't get that money back.
He would also probably be the first player from their core to be moved if the Knicks needed to try and upgrade their roster further. That would mean that he'd be taking less to help New York while also potentially making himself more of a trade asset in the process and even ending up on another team.
Marks does suggest something that might work for both teams, with Randle playing out next season and opting into the last year of his contract in 2025–26 during his age 30-31 season. Then, he could sign a three- or even a four-year extension. That would pay him more than he might otherwise get in free agency at his age but still be affordable to the Knicks. With the Knicks finally looking like a serious contender, they will probably get creative to ensure they can keep Randle going forward.