Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but Julius Randle may be the odd man out of the Big Apple after the New York Knicks traded for Mikal Bridges.
Bridges, who was a featured scorer for his previous team, is projected to be a starter next season. Yet, 3-and-D specialist OG Anunoby is as well, giving the Knicks three players who can start at forward. That’s without factoring in the affinity between Josh Hart and Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau. Even if the versatile forward doesn’t start, he’s sure to play substantial minutes.
Furthermore, New York’s decision to put four former Villanova teammates together was no accident. Indeed, Bridges, Hart, Jalen Brunson, and Donte DiVincenzo are likely to share the court several times this upcoming season. Not only is there an abundance of chemistry between them, they’re highly effective players whose skillsets complement each other’s.
Potential Win-Win Trade Destinations For Knicks’ Julius Randle
Make no mistake, Randle should have ample opportunity to make his mark on the game. His numbers —22.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game over the past six seasons —attest to his talent. When considering his offensive ability, he may be a one of one on the team. Still, the reality is that the Knicks have a lot of mouths to feed, and a bit of a logjam at forward.
Ultimately, New York may be best served trading Randle. If they can acquire a starting-caliber center, this route is particularly tempting. Looking around the Association, there are three teams who could provide the Knicks with a suitable trade package.
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers have a stacked roster themselves. However, they’re arguably the weakest at power forward, Randle’s primary position. If they were to acquire the three-time All-Star, he’d join a star-studded starting lineup that includes Paul George, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey. On paper, they would be comparable to the Boston Celtics.
To get the deal done, the Sixers would send Andre Drummond, Kelly Oubre Jr., Caleb Martin, and Kenyon Martin Jr. to the Knicks. To accommodate the new pieces, New York could release Martin (Jr.), Keita Bates-Diop and Cam Payne. In Drummond, they land a former star center who excels on the boards. Oubre and Martin are two-end players who greatly enhance their bench.
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers might fit Randle like a glove; a team that gets up and down in a hurry, puts up a lot of points, and has a bit of a laissez faire attitude on defense.
In acquiring Randle, there may be some overlap between him and Pascal Siakam as they work on their chemistry. Nonetheless, they’ll have their most talented group in at least a decade. Randle will be slated to start alongside stars Siakam, Tyrese Haliburton, and Myles Turner.
To acquire Randle, the Pacers surrender Aaron Nesmith, Jarace Walker, and Isaiah Jackson. Nesmith provides the Knicks with another 3-and-D wing, which could come in handy with Anunoby’s injury history. That’s the sane story for Jackson, a shot-blocking center who might see heavy minutes if Mitchell Robinson goes down. Walker, the 2023 No. 8 pick, has the potential to be Randle’s replacement.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers may eventually have to choose between Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.
Though Mobley is more dynamic offensively, they’re both at their best scoring inside. In order to improve their balance, they could swap Allen for Randle. The offense-for-defense tradeoff could actually be key for a team that ranked 20th in points per game (112.6) last season. Furthermore, a starting lineup with Randle, Mobley, Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland will be tough to beat in the playoffs.
With Allen heading to the Knicks, New York adds a rim-protector who may be better than even Robinson. For salary purposes, Georges Niang would also have to be moved. As the Knicks currently don’t have a stretch-four, they shouldn’t complain too much.
