NBA Rumors: The Knicks may trade a major player this summer

The New York Knicks’ season just ended, but there has already been some chatter regarding what their offseason could have in store. According to Shams Charania, there are teams looking to see whether or not the Knicks choose to make Julius Randle a part of their long-term plans.

“Julius Randle, he's got a player option in 2025…,” Charania said on FanDuel TV. “Teams are monitoring this situation for sure, because how [the Knicks] handle that extension situation, if that is a conversation, what transpires, I think that will be interesting."

A two-time All-NBA selection, Randle missed the 2024 NBA Playoffs after undergoing season-ending right shoulder surgery. He will become extension eligible on August 3rd and could earn up to four years and $181.5 million.

Teams are monitoring the Julius Randle situation

It is possible that New York could also look to trade Randle as part of a larger trade. Randle’s contract could potentially help facilitate a trade for a star, but such a course of action would only come if Leon Rose and the rest of New York’s front office were to part ways with him.

Randle has been a consistent force for the past few years. When healthy, he’s the kind of player that can score from all three levels, and the sort of build that complements coach Tom Thibodeau’s defensive arrangement. Prior to dislocating his shoulder earlier this year, Randle was having a career year. He averaged 24 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists while shooting 47.2% from the field.

Although the Kentucky product has had successful regular season campaigns, he has struggled during his two postseason appearances with New York. It would seem that if the Knicks are going to move off of Randle, it would come with an “upgrade” in mind.

Some like NBA Hall of Fame forward Kevin Garnett have expressed confidence in Randle's ability to help the Knicks reach the finish line along with other key pieces like Jalen Brunson.

"What is Randle? Man, Julius Randle is a 25 and 10 guy," Garnett said. on the Stephen A. Smith show. "He grew his game with the three-ball. Man, y'all tripping on Julius Randle. Julius Randle is one of the harder guard in this (league). (He's) left-handed, he's got a three-ball, he can playmake. I mean, he ain't perfect, but man, being with this team?"

There's never a dull moment in New York and this offseason will seemingly be no different.