NBA Trade Rumors: Julius Randle ready to move on from New York Knicks?
NBA Trade Rumors: Julius Randle could be looking for a way to get out of New York.
Though Julius Randle’s first three seasons with the New York Knicks, it’s been quite a rollercoaster. After winning over the fan base last season, being the primary reason why the team finished as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference standings, it seems as if Randle spent all of this season reversing all that goodwill.
The Knicks are one of the most disappointing teams in the NBA this season and Randle took a significant step back individually.
After averaging 24 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists per game last season on 46 percent shooting from the field and 41 percent shooting from 3-point range. This season, however, he’s only averaging 20 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists per game on 41 percent shooting from the field and 31 percent shooting from 3-point range.
It’s gotten so bad that according to a recent report Randle could be looking to find a way out of New York.
"[via New York Post]But some people around the league feel he’s acting in a “James Harden type of way” that suggests he wants a new place of work next season. Randle has lost his strongest ally in assistant coach Kenny Payne, his former mentor at Kentucky who left this month to be the head coach at Louisville. Some NBA sources believe the Knicks will shop Randle for a package revolving around a center if they lose Mitchell Robinson."
Randle still has four years left on his contract, which will pay him an average of $28 million per season. At just 27 years old, assuming that this report is accurate, it would be interesting to see what the market would be for Randle.
Something has clearly been off for the Knicks and Randle. He hasn’t been as productive as he’s been during his first two years in New York and, specifically, his efficiency is concerning. And it’s a big reason why the Knicks took a bit of a step back this season.
The Knicks are 4.5 games out of the 10 seed in the Eastern Conference and are essentially eliminated from the Play-In Tournament. They’re not going to make the playoffs and big changes are likely coming for the Knicks.
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Question is, will Randle be part of those changes? It remains to be seen, but it may not be New York’s decision.