Trade speculation surrounding Julius Randle will persist until he and the New York Knicks agree on a contract extension, which would make him eligible for a lucrative four-year, $181.5 million deal starting August 3.
Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report has suggested a “blockbuster” move where the Knicks would send Randle to the Dallas Mavericks:
Trade Proposal:
Dallas Mavericks Receive:
– Julius Randle
New York Knicks Receive:
– P.J. Washington
– Daniel Gafford
– Jaden Hardy
– 2025 second-round pick (via Toronto Raptors)
– 2028 second-round pick (via Miami Heat)
Swartz argues that Gafford could address the Knicks’ need for another center following the departure of Hartenstein, with solid stats of 11.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, and 72.5% shooting. Washington, averaging 12.9 points and 5.6 rebounds, would provide a replacement for Randle, while Hardy, a young player with scoring potential, could develop into a key contributor off the bench.
Randle, a Dallas native, averaged 24 points, 9.2 rebounds, and five assists per game over 46 appearances for the Knicks last season. It remains uncertain if the Knicks are willing to part with the three-time All-Star.
Why Would Dallas Go All-In On Randle?
After suffering a gentleman’s sweep in the NBA Finals, losing four games to one against the Boston Celtics, the Dallas Mavericks find themselves needing to overhaul their roster to make a return to the championship series next year. They’ve made some moves in free agency, including the additions of veterans Klay Thompson and Naji Marshall, but the question remains whether these changes are enough to surpass the Celtics.
If the Mavericks decide they need more to contend for the title, they have the potential to execute a significant trade. While it’s uncertain if the proposed package would be sufficient to acquire Julius Randle, he would unquestionably enhance their championship prospects against any opponent.
Dallas struggled with rebounding throughout last season, averaging just 42.9 rebounds per game, ranking 22nd in the league. Although midseason trades for Gafford and Washington provided some improvement, with the team averaging 44.1 rebounds per game in the final 27 games (ranking 11th overall), the Mavericks still need a more consistent presence on the boards.
Randle would offer a versatile rebounding threat, particularly noteworthy given his strong rebounding numbers among players 6-foot-9 and shorter, as per Stathead. His addition could significantly bolster Dallas’s ability to control the glass and improve their overall team performance.
Why Would The Knicks Trade Randle?
Randle was the main figure in New York basketball before Jalen Brunson arrived. However, he has faced injury setbacks in consecutive postseasons. Now, he is poised for a contract extension as early as August 3.
With the additions of OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, the Knicks find themselves with an abundance of starting-caliber players. Donte DiVincenzo, who set the franchise record for most 3-pointers in a season last year, is likely to move to the bench.
However, the pairing of Randle and Mitchell Robinson in the frontcourt has not consistently succeeded since 2019. Last season, in 1,140 possessions with both players on the court, New York outscored opponents by 2.3 points per 100 possessions. When Randle played without Robinson for 2,148 possessions, that margin increased significantly to 9 points per 100 possessions.
The absence of Hartenstein could be a significant loss for New York. In 3,816 possessions without their starting center on the floor, the Knicks were outscored by 0.7 points per 100 possessions. While seemingly modest, their offensive and defensive statistics ranked in the middle of the pack.
Head coach Tom Thibodeau’s preference for traditional lineups without small-ball configurations may pose a challenge in the upcoming season. Non-center lineups saw very limited action last season, accounting for just 32 possessions, or 0.004% of total play.
New York aims to contend for a championship next season. Any trade that strengthens their center rotation and adds to their assets should be viewed positively.
Leave a Reply