The New York Knicks have a tough decision to make for All-Star power forward Julius Randle, who could hit free agency after next season if the two sides don’t reach an agreement on an extension before the season ends.
Fred Katz of The Athletic reported that New York has no interest in trading Randle yet because it doesn’t want to weaken this season’s roster, which is expected to be one of the league’s best on paper after acquiring Mikal Bridges in the offseason. Katz added that Randle’s unique fit with the roster is what makes a trade difficult to pull off.
“Randle’s contract is fair. He’s making $28.9 million this season and could become a free agent next summer. But the fear of having to pay him, especially when his skillset makes him such a hot ticket, makes it difficult to find suitors willing to give up any package that would be worth it to the Knicks,” Katz wrote. “As I’ve reported before, there’s no indication the Knicks are looking to trade Randle, which means it’s difficult to glean a true estimate of his market value.”