The Knicks would certainly like to get an extension with Julius Randle, who began the franchise’s turnaround in 2021, but he could take a significant pay cut similar to Brunson’s. New York doesn’t want to eclipse the second apron because it wants to remain flexible in its ability to add players to the roster, but signing Randle to his maximum extension (four years, $181.5 million) would limit its financial flexibility.
Therefore, Randle’s performance next season could determine his market value and whether the Knicks should commit to him long-term or sell him at a high price to remain competitive without paying him. New York needs Randle on the floor to be at his best, but a complicated contract situation could change their plans by the championship window and they will need to have a contingency plan in place in case the two sides are forced to go their separate ways.