An NBA insider adds fuel to the trade rumor fire surrounding a Knicks star

For the first time in years, the New York Knicks look like legitimate contenders heading into a season after dramatically improving over the summer. Their improvement has Knicks fans buzzing with them trading for star Mikal Bridges, re-signing OG Anunoby, and extending superstar Jalen Brunson on a team-friendly deal. However, there is still one shoe left to drop.

Knicks star Julius Randall missed a large chunk of last season but should still be a key piece, even though he has yet to be extended. His potential extension could be as much as 4- years and $181 million, or $45.2 million a season.

However, given how polarizing he is, that might give the Knicks pause. While there may be an alternative contract solution, NBA insider Brian Windhorst has labeled Randall's contract as "extremely tradeable."

“(He makes) a very attractive $29 million, his player option for next season is $31 million. His value, if he is 100% is more than that," Windhorst said on the The Hoop Collective.

He is set to make $28,939,680 next season, cheap for a star and giving the Knicks options should they need to make a big move during the season.

The New York Knicks should keep their options open regarding Julius Randall.

While the Knicks shouldn't immediately look to trade him, if they need to improve their roster around Brunson, Bridges, and Anunoby, they have the means to do so. His trade market might be limited, similar to that of New Orleans Pelicans star Brandon Ingram considering their contract status.

However, teams such as the Los Angeles Clippers might be interested if here were to become available. Turning Randle into two or three rotation players would help the Knicks fill in any potential gaps, with their biggest currently being at backup center and power forward if they move him.

The Knicks would also save from having to pay him at least $40 million in that scenario, with them being able to plug in cheaper veterans around their core. Thanks to Bridge's cheap deal as well as Brunsons, the Knicks won't be as impacted financially as other contenders, with them being only $3.3 million over the first apron. That means that they can still sign veterans in-season to help them but if bigger changes are needed, then moving Randle is apparently an option.