Knicks Mailbag: What’s the team’s thinking on Julius Randle ahead of next season?

SNY’s Ian Begley will be responding to Knicks questions from readers. Here’s the latest…

Julius Randle is on my mind Ian. Do the Knicks still see him as a core piece to their championship aspirations? Does the deal get done? ❤️ The Putback – @RobertWCross

Do the Knicks see Randle fitting in this year’s Knicks team? Or are they shopping him to see his value? – @sevMTV

What is the likelihood that the Knicks & Julius Randle agree to an extension once he is eligible on August 3rd? – @Knixoptimist

This is my read on Julius Randle at the moment: He is excited about this Knicks team and believes they can make a run. He’s looking forward to being back, healthy, with this group. He thinks things can be special with Mikal Bridges. Also, his rehab from shoulder surgery is going incredibly well at the moment.

I can’t tell you exactly what the Knicks think right now because:

1) Things change quickly in the NBA, especially at this time of year.

2) As is the case in most organizations, different people have different opinions on topics related to the team.

On Randle, some in the organization believe that Randle can fit well with this group and think that Randle’s play in January – after the OG Anunoby trade – supports that point.

Others are concerned about Randle going into this pivotal season with free agency looming and the challenges that may present. In addition, some decision-makers aren’t as bullish about the general fit of the current group.

Randle is eligible for an extension starting Aug. 3. It can be as long as four years and for as much as $181.5 million. Extension talks aren’t at the forefront for either the Knicks or Randle.

Regarding a potential trade of Randle, if the Knicks do it in the offseason and it doesn’t work out, they will be second-guessed over the decision. Fans and media will wonder what the team would have looked like with Randle on the roster.

Remember, the Knicks played well in January when Anunoby was on the roster and Randle was healthy. Based on that, it seems prudent to start the season with this group intact and assess the results before you consider making a major trade…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/knicks-mailbag-whats-teams-thinking-202000437.html

Author : SNY

Publish date : 2024-07-17 20:20:00

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