$28 Million Loophole Saves Julius Randle From Knicks Exit as Jalen Brunson’s ‘Gift’ Comes to Rescue

The New York Knicks have been desperately waiting. They missed Julius Randle during the postseason as he was out because of injury, but the franchise is hopeful of a healthy comeback. Or are they? Well, he isn’t an injury-prone player, but there have been trade talks involving the forward which might concern him. Especially after the addition of Mikal Bridges, it seemed as if the talks around his exit might’ve further fueled. However, with his current contract in play, Randle can avoid a trade situation.

This year, the 29-year-old is set to make $28.9 million. Now, following the upcoming season, Randle will have a player option at hand. If Julius considers opting in, the Knicks can extend his contract from there on which will prove to be cheaper, in comparison to if he enters free agency. Also, the upcoming extension can pay him only up to $181.5 million. However, if Randle decided to opt out and get the bigger deal, the Knicks would consider trading him.

But then again, moving the player will be hard in this market, especially if the NY side is looking to get something in particular in a dollar-to-dollar scenario as the Knicks exceed the first apron limit. Zach Lowe believes that rocking with Randle might prove to be beneficial for the Knicks. “We need to see what this team is. We need to see how it all fits together. And maybe, in seeing that, we discover, we absolutely need Julius Randle’s offense. We need his ability to create shots. We missed it in the playoffs last year against Indiana,” he said on The Lowe Post.

Not only that but Jalen Brunson’s $113 million sacrifice has also helped the Knicks turn things around. This will aid with the flexibility of Randle’s extension if he decides to opt in. On the other hand, he has been efficient from the field and the forward did not hesitate to shape his game around the elite point guard alongside him. He averaged 24 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5 assists last year before going down with a shoulder injury.

If anything, the Knicks should look to wait for a healthy Julius Randle, who, as Zach Lowe said, can fulfill the team’s needs. At the end of the day, the 29-year-old was the only hope New York had after Carmelo Anthony. Of course, after Brunson’s arrival, the outlook of the team has drastically changed. But with what’s in hand, will it be enough for the Knicks to not consider a trade scenario for Randle?

The Knicks’ settling for Julius Randle can prove to be beneficial and easier

The Knicks have crossed the first apron limit. So, if they are considering trading Randle, they’ll have to match nothing more than his $28.9 million salary when bringing in another player. While there are a few players in the salary range, his age might interfere when looking for a winning trade. Especially when most of the players who are set to earn under $28 million next year are young guns. Regardless, if we witness Randle exit New York, teams like the Hornets, Pistons, Wizards, or Rockets can look to make space for the forward. All these teams have enough cap room to sign the 29-year-old and wouldn’t mind having a veteran on a younger roster.

At the end of the day, the Knicks will have to run with Julius Randle for at least a season. With Mikal Bridges on the roster, this leaves the coaching staff with a lot of options for rotation. However, thinking of him as a sixth man wouldn’t be a wise option. Julius seems overqualified to come off the bench and would rather start alongside Brunson and Bridges. It will be interesting to see the situation in New York as the 29-year-old looks to return next season. What are your thoughts on Julius Randle’s return?

Do you think he’ll sign an extension next summer? Let us know in the comments.

Feel that you can do with another update from the sport of basketball? Then do check out this recent interview with the up-and-coming Georgia Lady Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.