Key takeaways:
– Despite trade rumors, New York Knicks forward Julius Randle states his commitment to the team.
– The Knicks have reportedly indicated that they are not planning to shop Randle.
– Randle qualifies for a four-year, $181.5 million contract extension, expected to occur on August 3.
– If the Knicks extend Randle’s contract this summer, he’ll be off limits for trade for six months or until next season’s February trade deadline.
– An injury kept Randle out of the previous season’s playoffs, but he remains positive about the Knicks’ prospects next year.
Julius Randle shows commitment to Knicks
Amid ongoing trade rumors, New York Knicks standout Julius Randle has restated his commitment to the team. “I’ve always said from the very beginning I would love to be here in New York and I would love to continue to add on to what the guys did in the playoffs,” Randle expressed in a recent interview, according to the New York Post.
Randle dismisses trade rumors
Despite whispers about the Knicks trading Randle in search of a star player, The Athletic reported on May 24 that the team has no such plans. Instead, the Knicks “recognize that their quest for a star could require” having to trade Randle if the opportunity arises.
A potential contract extension for Randle
There is speculation about an extension offer on the horizon for Randle, massive as a four-year, $181.5 million extension, as per reports. Scheduled for August 3, this extension could be a result of Randle’s recent return to Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the organization that secured his previous two contracts with the Knicks.
If the Knicks decide not to extend his contract this summer, Randle would step into the final guaranteed season of his current four-year, $117 million contract. He would also hold a player option for the 2025-26 season, worth $29.4 million.
There’s an alternative under consideration too. According to ESPN’s front office insider Bobby Marks, if Randle chooses to stick with his player option, the Knicks could add on a three-year $140.3 million extension. But, if his contract is extended this season, Randle won’t be eligible to be traded until next season’s February trade deadline.
Randle’s future eagerly watched by other teams
Several teams are keeping tabs on the developments regarding Randle’s extension talks. The Athletic’s Shams Charania stated on “Run It Back” on FanDuel TV, “Teams are monitoring the situation for sure because of how [the Knicks] handle that extension situation.”
Randle eager to return to the court
While the Knicks face uncertainty, Randle is eager to return to action following his second major surgery in consecutive seasons. An ankle injury saw him struggle in the previous playoffs before a dislocated right shoulder in January forced him to sit out this year. Now, Randle remains upbeat about the Knicks’ chances next year.
“I’m excited just to be able to help whenever I can get back…our job right now is to…get healthy first off, and then continue to get better,” Randle said with optimism for the upcoming season, according to the New York Post.