Should the Knicks even consider trading All-NBA power forward?

There have been plenty of rumors this off-season suggesting a possible trade between the New York Knicks and All-NBA forward Julius Randle.

Connections linking New York to Karl-Anthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves have emerged, but there hasn’t been much movement on a potential deal in recent weeks. It is unlikely that the Knicks would swap salaries since Towns is heading into a massive four-year, $220.4 million deal that includes a $61 million cap hit during the 2027–28 season.

The Logic Against Trading Randle

Trading Randle makes no sense unless the Knicks find a player who can fill his role at an even higher level. Randle, who is 29 years old, averaged 24 points this past season, including 9.2 rebounds, five assists, and shot .472 from the field over 46 games.

His season ended prematurely due to a dislocated shoulder, leaving the Knicks in disarray at power forward. Trading for OG Anunoby certainly helped offset his loss to a degree, but the team can now utilize Randle to his strengths, which include playing close to the basket and using his aggression to drive to the rim and draw fouls.

Randle’s Role on the Court

For example, Randle shot .311 from three-point range last season, but the Knicks no longer need him shooting from the perimeter. They can position him in the paint, using his physicality to convert baskets and rebound at a high level. Randle draws a lot of attention due to his ability to win one-on-one battles. Teams need to double him down in the paint, leaving shooters open on the perimeter to take high-percentage shots.

Randle also doubles as a big man, and since the Knicks have been eyeing a potential backup center to pair with Mitchell Robinson, the veteran power forward can help rebound and provide that extra energy in the paint. It is important to remember that the Knicks don’t need to lean on Randle in clutch situations anymore, where he struggled considerably.

Leadership in the Final Moments

Star point guard Jalen Brunson is now the primary ball handler and scorer in the last minute of a competitive game. Randle needs to focus on his positioning and getting into the right spots to rebound and give his team a second chance.

Randle’s Fit with the Team

In fact, Randle fits the current team’s equation quite well. With Mikal Bridges and Anunoby servicing the wings, Randle adds that physicality inside with tremendous scoring potential around the basket. They don’t need him living on the perimeter and taking three-point shots; they simply need him to wear down opposing big men and force them to rotate more frequently.

In addition, Julius had played three consecutive seasons with a minimum of 71 games before his most recent freak injury. That serves the Knicks well, who have been dealing with injury-prone situations for years. With Bridges’ impeccable health history and Jalen Brunson playing 77 games last season, there’s plenty of reason to believe the Knicks are trending in a great direction.

Randle’s Contract and Future

However, Randle is entering the final year of a four-year, $117 million contract. He does have a player option for the 2025–26 season at $30.1 million, but he will likely opt out and look for a big payday as he enters his 30s. He could secure a contract in the $40 million per season range, if not a bit more, with the new NBA media rights deal coming up—there’s no doubt he will capitalize on that opportunity, so the Knicks need to leverage his talent now before they may have to let him walk as a free agent next off-season.