New York Knicks All-NBA forward Julius Randle has been in the spotlight heading into the new season. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst suggested that Randle is “extremely tradeable,” sparking discussions about the future of this key player for the Knicks. Randle’s potential departure has been a hot topic since he arrived in New York a few seasons ago. If next season doesn’t start well, a change of scenery for Randle could be in the cards.
Julius Randle signed a four-year, $117,089,280 deal with the Knicks after his stellar 2021 campaign. He has two more seasons left on his contract, with next season as a player option. Randle’s average annual salary is $29 million, which presents a challenge for the Knicks in potential trade discussions. The focus will not only be on moving Randle, but also on getting adequate value in return, especially for help at the center position, which is a rare market.
Nikola Vucevic, who makes $20 million per year, is a prime candidate for a trade to New York. Adding another young piece to sweeten the deal would provide good value in return for Randle. Vucevic has been on the Knicks’ radar for some time. With a track record of playing 65+ games a season and impressive stats, the Chicago Bulls big man could be the missing piece to a championship run.
Nicolas Claxton, a promising and highly regarded big man, could also be a valuable addition to the Knicks roster. Making $24 million next season, Claxton’s solid performance with the Brooklyn Nets last season makes him an attractive option for New York. With his impressive shooting percentage and defensive skills, he could fit perfectly into the team’s game plan.