Julius Randle Trade Rumors: Rival Exec Says Knicks Star’s Value Is ‘Neutral, at Best’

Despite earning All-Star selections in three of the past four seasons, New York Knicks forward Julius Randle’s trade value isn’t that high.

One anonymous member of a rival front office told Fred Katz of The Athletic that Randle’s value to opposing teams is “neutral, at best.”

The 29-year-old still has two seasons remaining on a four-year, $117 million contract that he signed with New York in 2021. However, he has a player option worth $30.9 million for the 2025-26 season and could choose to decline it if he’s continuing to perform at an All-Star level.

The “fear” of giving Randle a long-term contract after his current deal expires makes it “difficult” for the Knicks to find suitors willing to give up significant assets in order to make a trade worthwhile, per Katz.

Randle could receive another contract from New York, although SNY’s Ian Begley reported on July 17 that extension talks aren’t “at the forefront” for either side. The former first-round pick is eligible for a four-year deal worth up to $181.5 million.

This doesn’t mean that a trade is coming, as Katz noted on Thursday that there is “no indication” that the Knicks are actively attempting to move Randle.

New York is trying to compete with the Boston Celtics at the top of the Eastern Conference standings after acquiring Mikal Bridges and re-signing OG Anunoby during the offseason.

After averaging 23.3 points and 9.9 rebounds per game over the past four seasons, Randle could set himself up for another long-term extension and boost his trade value by continuing his strong regular-season play into the postseason during his 2024-25 campaign.