Knicks Trade Rumors: Julius Randle Monitored by NBA Teams Ahead of Contract Decision

Teams around the NBA are "monitoring" Julius Randle's status within the New York Knicks' long-term plans, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

Charania explained on FanDuel TV's Run It Back how Randle can opt out of his deal in 2025. Should the Knicks balk at extending him beyond that, they could plausibly include the three-time All-Star in a blockbuster trade.

The Athletic's Fred Katz reported Monday the Knicks are "still targeting the upcoming summer as the time to trade for the next big name" following their exit in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Randle is an asset New York may have to sacrifice in that pursuit.

The 29-year-old has a $30.3 million salary for 2024-25, which is beneficial for matching purposes. Any star the team could acquire will be earning in excess of $30 million or $40 million next season.

Then there's the cost of an extension for Randle.

OG Anunoby can opt out this summer, Jalen Brunson has a player option for 2024-25, Mitchell Robinson hits the open market in 2025, and the pair of Josh Hart and Donte DiVencenzo will be free agents in 2026. This roster is going to become very expensive in the near future, and the more restrictive collective bargaining agreement makes it more imperative for the front office to spend wisely.

You'd expect retaining Brunson to be a priority after he took his game to yet another level. ESPN's Bobby Marks noted the Knicks can sign him for up to four years and $156 million this summer. The only question is probably whether he re-ups now or waits until next offseason.

Let's assume Brunson signs that extension and the Knicks make a headline-grabbing trade that doesn't include Randle. In that scenario, you're attempting to build a championship contender with three stars on max or near-max salaries.

Pulling off the superteam blueprint was always tough and presents a bigger challenge because going further and further into the luxury tax removes some of the usual pathways to fill out the supporting cast with contract exceptions.

For the Knicks, the best formula to chase a title is probably Brunson plus one other star at the top, which means Randle could get crowded out in the Big Apple.