In the worst-case scenario for the New York Knicks, forward Julius Randle has undergone season-ending surgery to repair his dislocated shoulder. A three-time All-Star, Randle averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 46 games. This is only the third time in his 10-year career that he’s played fewer than 70 games.
BREAKING: After two months of rehabilitation to attempt a return to the New York Knicks, All-NBA forward Julius Randle will undergo season-ending right shoulder surgery, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/Yc6FJAPgp7
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 4, 2024
The Knicks have gone 15-14 without Randle this season. This week, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau believed Randle would return this season. Indeed, he believed that Randle’s primary obstacle was getting comfortable taking contact.
Julius Randle ‘Devasted,’ Saw Knicks As Championship Contenders
Per SNY insider Ian Begley, Randle “wanted badly to return… but continued instability in his shoulder prevented him from coming back.” The 29-year-old “was told by specialists that he wouldn’t be able to get his shoulder in a place where he could play, necessitating the surgery.”
Begley adds that Randle “is said to be devastated that he can’t return, particularly because he felt the Knicks had a real chance to contend following the OG Anunoby trade.”
“He hoped to play through the injury in the playoffs just as he had a year ago when he returned from an ankle injury to play in the postseason for New York.”
To Randle’s point, New York is 15-2 when Anunoby is in the lineup. The former first-round pick has averaged 14.5 points per game as a Knick, shooting 36.4 percent from 3. A renowned defender, he’s also averaged a team-high 1.7 steals per game.
The Knicks were rolling with these three in the starting lineup. Tough loss for NY 💔
Randle will undergo a season-ending right shoulder surgery. pic.twitter.com/TkZ9QVfbpN
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 4, 2024
When the Knicks decided to trade for Anunoby, they sacrificed 33.2 points per game by moving RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. However, Anunoby’s off-ball shooting and perimeter defense theoretically made him a better fit in the starting lineup. That idea was quickly proven to be on the mark.
OG Anunoby Re-Signing?
Anunoby is expected to decline his player option for the 2024-25 season and become a free agent.
The Knicks will attempt to re-sign Anunoby despite his disheartening injury history. After all, they’ve already paid a high price for his services. Nonetheless, the 26-year-old is expected to demand a four-year, $160 million contract in free agency.
New York may not want to fork over $40 million per year. However, they may not have much of a choice. Not only did they trade Barrett and Quickley for Anunoby but multiple teams could poach Anunoby away. Based on their rumored interest in Golden State Warriors wing Klay Thompson, Anunoby could be on the Magic’s wishlist this offseason.
The Philadelphia 76ers and Indiana Pacers are among his more intriguing potential landing spots.
