NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The New York Knicks may need to look into a trade that brings them youth, roster flexibility, and draft picks for Julius Randle. According to Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report, a deal should be made between the Dallas Mavericks and Knicks that will send Randle to the Mavs for PF P.J. Washington, C Daniel Gafford, SG Jaden Hardy, 2025 second-round pick (via Toronto Raptors), 2028 second-round pick (via Miami Heat).
Yes, Randle is a 3-time All-Star but he’s also due for an extension or an opt-out after this upcoming season. It may be time to move him. Looking at the Knicks’ roster, many question whether Randle is a fit alongside Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, and Miles Bridges. The Knicks were hit with injuries late last season but acclimating Randle into the Villanova Knicks core might be getting blown just a bit out of proportion.
However, on the other side for the Dallas Mavericks, this deal will instantly make them clear favorites in the Western Conference. Losing Washington and Gafford would be huge blows but what those two players added to the core of the Maverick is still not comparable to what Randle will add.
Should The Knicks Trade Julius Randle
Last season, while playing with basically a two-man offense in NYC, Randle still managed 24.0 points and 9.2 rebounds. But what is often left out is his 5.0 assists. Randle can hit the open man with the precision of a point guard. The issue is, the open man has not been hitting their shots.
Luka Doncic is a walking triple-double anytime he steps on the floor. Place Randle at the 4 spot with Luka, Kyrie Irving, and the recently signed Klay Thompson and the Mavs will have a top-shelf offense. Randle has taken his share of criticism in the New York media and that’s mainly due to the emergence of Brunson.
As for the New York Knicks side of the deal, this is about chemistry, money, and the future. Gone will be the financial burden of Randle’s contract. Gone are the issues that may arise when it comes to team chemistry. Leon Rose put together a team of best friends and asked the Knicks’ most consistent player to play 2nd or even 3rd fiddle.
With the New York Knicks losing Isaiah Hartenstein this offseason, they must retool their paint production. Last season for the Mavericks, Gafford averaged 11.2 points and 6.9 rebounds in just 22 minutes of action. With the Knicks possibly not sold on the production and availability of oft-injured Mitchell Robinson, obtaining another big on the roster would not hurt. Washington, who averaged 11.7 points and 6.2 rebounds since joining the Mavs in a mid-season trade could be a great fit as well.
This move, while a blockbuster would benefit both teams. The Mavericks get a proven player in Randle and the Knicks get the depth they were missing. And we haven’t even discussed the draft pics and the scoring ability of Hardy. This is a win for everyone.
And there is a possibility that this trade could put these teams on a collision course to meet in the 2025 NBA Finals.
