After trading for Mikal Bridges and securing a new contract with OG Anunoby, the New York Knicks face some tough financial decisions for the next few NBA seasons, which has placed a spotlight on Julius Randle‘s future with the team.
According to Ian Begley of SNY.tv, the Knicks are not planning to trade Randle after acquiring Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets. The 29-year-old is set to make $28.9 million next season and has a $30.9 million player option for 2025-26. He is eligible for a four-year, $181.5 million extension in August.
In the deal for Bridges, the Knicks sent Bojan Bogdanovic, five first-round draft picks, a pick swap, and a second-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets. This move has hard-capped New York at the $178.7 million first apron due to the additional salary they took on. They also completed a five-year, $212.5 million contract extension with Anunoby. The Knicks are currently $9 million below the second apron, with four roster spots still to fill.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Julius Randle, New York Knicks Updates
Isaiah Hartenstein, set to become an unrestricted free agent, might find himself squeezed out unless someone like Randle is traded. The Knicks have been exploring ways to include additional money in the trade with the Nets to facilitate retaining Hartenstein.
Randle missed the final 49 games of last season, including the playoffs, due to a shoulder injury that required surgery. Despite the injury, he earned his second All-Star selection. Given the Knicks’ success without him, some questions if he could be on the move, but that doesn’t appear to be the case at this time.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Julius Randle, New York Knicks Updates
Throughout his five seasons with the Knicks, Randle has produced impressive results, averaging 22.6 points on 45.0 percent shooting, 9.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. With a team that has such dynamic defenders on the wing and talented centers, Randle’s scoring could still provide needed support for Jalen Brunson.
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