Julius Randle’s contract situation with the New York Knicks is set to be a hot topic for the entire upcoming season. The three-time All-Star has two years remaining on his $117 million contract. However, the final year is a player option. If Randle opts out at the end of next season, he could potentially walk away from the franchise, with nothing in return.
As such, the Knicks have a tough decision to make. They can negotiate a contract extension with Randle or test his trade market around the NBA. One caveat to potentially exploring an extension is that Jalen Brunson agreed to a team-friendly deal this summer, and management is unlikely to squander the additional flexibility he’s given them.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, who hosted a recent episode of “The Hoop Collective” podcast, the Knicks should evaluate Randle’s trade value. Windhorst believes Randle could have a deep market if New York makes him available in negotiations.
“A very attractive $29 million this year,” Windhorst said. “His player option for next year is $31 million. His value, if he’s at 100 percent, is more than that. There’s no reason why, if he’s playing at his best, he shouldn’t consider giving that up. … With that $29 million salary, he’s extraordinarily tradable. And the Knicks still have a couple of extra first-round picks, not extra, there’s no extra, but the Knicks still have a couple of first-round picks they can move.”