Before Jalen Brunson became the face of the Knicks franchise, that role was filled by Julius Randle.
Randle was the Knicks’ best player as they ended an eight-year playoff drought in 2021. He also signed a team-friendly extension after that, which helped the Knicks’ finances to take a chance on Brunson in 2022 free agency.
Brunson thanked Randle for everything he’s given, not only to him but to the team.
“It’s definitely been tough,” Brunson told reporters, per SNY, during the Knicks’ Media Day on Sept. 30. “I’m grateful that Julius welcomed me with open arms here. That news, it was crazy.”
“I’m really grateful for them and their friendships and everything and what they’ve brought to this team. I’m really grateful to have had a relationship with Julius. The memories we’ve made together [have been] really fun.”
Randle and Brunson’s close friend and former Villanova teammate Donte DiVincenzo were traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Towns.