Julius Randle turns into extension eligible on Saturday. The veteran ahead is recent off his third All-Star season within the final 4 years. He’s the unique constructing block that helped Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau develop a contending-level roster.
Randle’s standing as a 10-year veteran and potential max wage candidate might hinder his long-term probabilities of staying with New York.
“Except Randle, 29, is keen to take a considerable low cost, it’s tough to seek out an settlement that is smart for each side,” Fred Katz of The Athletic wrote. “…The Knicks can’t throw away the reward Brunson gave them. They can’t go above the second apron this upcoming season…It means Randle could should take far lower than $40.5 million in beginning wage to entice the Knicks into handing him a brand new contract this summer time…The query that follows Randle round isn’t simply concerning the paper he’ll both signal or go away clean. It’s additionally concerning the jersey he’ll put on.”
Randle has earned the opportunity to signal a hefty contract. He is been an integral a part of the Knicks’ rebuild. He has thrived as each a main offensive choice and, extra not too long ago, a high-level secondary weapon alongside Jalen Brunson.
However, the Knicks should defend their cap flexibility to keep away from the pesky second apron and retain some roster flexibility within the coming years.
New York needs proof that Randle’s harm points won’t linger. He solely performed in 46 video games for Thibodeau’s workforce final season. Happily for the veteran, he has a robust historical past of availability. Nonetheless, the Knicks will wish to be certain they’re allocating their cap house to the appropriate locations.
Randle should resolve how a lot cash he’ll go away on the desk. New York will seemingly prioritize cap flexibility and avoiding the second apron. If the 2 events can attain an settlement that doubtlessly backloads his deal so he earns much less at the beginning of the contract, then a possible deal is extremely seemingly.
Nonetheless, if Randle stands firm on his value, the Knicks may have a tough choice. At that time, there may very well be yet another main commerce earlier than the Feb. 6 deadline.
