Julius Randle will miss the New York Knicks’ playoff run. The All-Star forward was recently ruled out for the season following shoulder surgery.
He hasn’t played since the Knicks’ victory over the Miami Heat on January 27. Since then, the Knicks have gone 20-15. Their record probably could have been better if OG Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson hadn’t dealt with their own injury issues.
The Knicks’ ability to remain competitive without Randle could be a bad sign for his future with the franchise. According to an Eastern Conference general manager who spoke with Sean Deveney of Heavy on Sports, the Knicks could explore the possibility of trading their star during the summer.
“There will be a lot of pressure on them to move him no matter what they do in the playoffs,” the GM said. “If they win without him, then they don’t need him. If they lose without him then they’re going to have to make big changes, and he’s really the only tool they have to make a big change.”
Randle has been an integral part of the Knicks rotation in recent years. He was the starting cornerstone of Tom Thibodeau’s team. However, as the Knicks roster continues to evolve, Randle may find himself being referred to as a throwaway in trade discussions.