New York Knicks forward Julius Randle could be in his last year with the franchise. Ian Begley of SNYtv.com reports that it doesn’t appear he will be getting an extension before the start of training camp. Randle has been eligible for an extension since August 3.
We noted in July that a contract extension was not at the forefront for either Randle or the Knicks. That remains the case today, less than three weeks from the start of training camp. Regarding the extension, I’m not sure what would change between now and the start of the season to get a deal done. So it seems as if both sides are prepared to go into the year without an extension.
Randle has been a top 50 player in the league over the last four seasons, becoming an all-star for the first time last season. But the 29-year-old saw his season conclude at the end of January due to a dislocated shoulder. He will make $28.2 million this season and has a $30.9 million player option for next year.
Knicks Big Says He Is Willing To Fill Any Role Despite Not Being Extended This Summer
Over the last five seasons with the Knicks, Randle has averaged a double-double and has compiled eight of his career 14 triple-doubles during this stretch. Randle has produced 23.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists while shooting 47.0% from the field and 74.8% from the charity stripe. He is one of three Knicks players to total over 7,000 points and 3,000 rebounds over his first five seasons with the franchise.
But there have been rumors over the past couple of seasons that the Knicks may trade Randle in a package deal involving a star big man, with Karl-Anthony Towns and Joel Embiid being the most talked-about players. Recently, Michael Pina of The Ringer mentioned Randle might be a fit for the Golden State Warriors.
New York does have to be a little conscious about their spending with the second apron in play. If they don’t make moves, the Knicks are over the first apron this season and project to be over the second apron the next two seasons. However, In terms of Randle being in the Big Apple for the coming season, Begley said it is up to Knicks president Leon Rose:
If he [Rose] believes the Knicks can win a title with Randle, then No. 30 will be here for this season and the foreseeable future. If he doesn’t think Randle gives them the best chance to win, then he’ll have to trade him.
Randle’s Role In 2024-25
For his part, Randle never complains and appears to love playing in New York. Randle is slated to start at power forward once again but is expected to see more minutes at center with the Knicks thin at the five. He has spent less than 10% of his minutes at the five with the Knicks, though he does have significant experience playing the position.
Begley believes that Randle will”accept any role that’s asked of him on this Knicks team if it leads to winning.” While the Knicks have to figure out their backup center position, they appear to be on the verge of being a contender in the East.
New York is coming off its most wins (50) since 2012-13 and its second straight appearance in the Eastern Conference semis. Despite not having many opportunities, the Knicks thrived last year when Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Randle were on the floor together.
The Knicks were 12-1 when Brunson, Anunoby, Hart, and Randle were in the starting lineup together. Even though Brunson, Anunoby, Hart, and Randle played less than 42 minutes together, the Knicks outscored their opponents by 59.5 points per 100 possessions.
