Julius Randle suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in April and played just 46 games in 2023-24. The Knicks played the playoffs without Randle, sparking much speculation that New York might explore the possibility of trading the All-Star.
Before the injury, Randle was averaging 24 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5 assists per game while shooting 31.1 percent from long range. Randle has two seasons left on a four-year, $117 million contract.
The power forward will have a cap hit of $28.9 million next season. Randle can opt out of his deal to become a free agent in 2025. Fred Katz of The Athletic reported that the Knicks could explore the idea of trading Randle if it meant getting another star.
“The Knicks are not looking to trade Randle, but recognize that their search for a star may require doing so,” Katz noted in the May 24 article titled “Julius Randle Extension, NBA Draft Musings and Other Storylines Knicks offseason.” “If a suitable target doesn’t emerge this summer, then they could turn their eyes to the 2025 trade deadline, hoping to land one then.”