Ex-NBA Player Hints At Blockbuster Trade: Julius Randle To Sacramento Kings?

The New York Knicks are entering the 2024-25 NBA season with high expectations, positioning themselves as one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference.

With an impressive offseason under their belt, the Knicks seem poised to challenge for the NBA title, eyeing a long-awaited return to championship glory after more than five decades.

This season, New York boasts a roster capable of competing with the best, led by star point guard Jalen Brunson and supported by versatile pieces like Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Miles McBride. The Knicks have the depth and talent to go far, but the question remains—do they have too much talent, particularly when it comes to Julius Randle?

Julius Randle’s Future Hangs in the Balance

Randle, who has been a key figure for New York in recent seasons, might find himself the odd man out. His future with the team is uncertain, and NBA veteran Patrick Beverley hinted at the possibility of a trade during a recent podcast episode, suggesting that Randle could fit well with the Sacramento Kings.

Beverley pointed out that with the Knicks’ recent signings, particularly in positions similar to Randle’s, the writing may be on the wall for the 11-year veteran.

Randle has a player option worth $30.9 million for the 2025-26 season, but he could decline it in pursuit of free agency. Although eligible for a contract extension since August, the Knicks have yet to make a formal offer.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Julius Randle, New York Knicks, Sacramento Kings Updates

With the addition of Anunoby and Bridges, it’s plausible that Randle’s role has become redundant, and a trade could be on the horizon.

Knicks Consider Financial Strategy for Randle’s Contract

ESPN’s Bobby Marks has outlined a potential solution that could keep Randle in New York while allowing the team to manage its salary cap situation. One option is for Randle to opt into his player option and extend off that contract, pushing his bigger salary impact to the 2026-27 season.

While this would give the Knicks some financial breathing room, Randle would be leaving over $100 million on the table in potential earnings if he opts for free agency after a strong season.

However, the Knicks appear to be in no rush to extend Randle, adopting a wait-and-see approach as he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery. They are also eager to see how the roster gels, especially with Bridges added to the lineup. Randle’s past playoff struggles, where he averaged only 17.1 points on 34% shooting, are another concern for the team.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Julius Randle, New York Knicks, Sacramento Kings Updates

Trading Randle is tricky. As Fred Katz of The Athletic noted, the Knicks might not get full value in return, as no team may value Randle as highly as New York does. However, with a healthy core of Brunson, Anunoby, and Bridges, the Knicks are optimistic about their chances this season, even if it means moving on from Randle.

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