Trade discussions will persist around Julius Randle until he and the New York Knicks reach a contract extension. On August 3, he becomes eligible for a four-year, $181.5 million deal.
The Memphis Grizzlies could potentially become a trade partner.
New York Receives:
– Jaren Jackson Jr.
– 2026 first-round pick
– 2029 first-round pick
Jackson Jr., a former All-Star at 24, had a down year with the Grizzlies, who finished 27-55 with Ja Morant sidelined for most of the season. Jackson averaged 22.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.2 steals in 66 games.
Randle also had a down year due to injury, missing the final 36 games with a dislocated shoulder. He averaged 24 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5 assists in 46 games for the Knicks. This trade could help the Knicks recover assets lost in the Mikal Bridges deal.
Why Would Memphis Go All-In On Randle?
The Grizzlies are entering the sixth season of the Jackson-Morant tandem, having made the playoffs three out of five seasons but only advancing past the first round once in 2022. With Ja Morant as the franchise cornerstone, maximizing his prime is crucial.
The addition of Zach Edey from Purdue, a two-time AP Player of the Year, creates redundancy with two seven-footers on the roster. Edey’s NBA readiness allows Memphis to upgrade other areas. He averaged 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, and 2.0 assists in his senior season.
Why Would The Knicks Trade Randle?
Randle was New York’s face before Jalen Brunson arrived but has missed consecutive postseasons due to injury. With an extension possible on August 3 and the acquisitions of OG Anunoby and Bridges, the Knicks now have an abundance of starters. Donte DiVincenzo, who set the franchise record for most 3-pointers last year, is likely headed to the bench.
However, losing Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency is significant. Without Hartenstein, the Knicks were outscored by 0.7 points per 100 possessions, ranking in the 51st and 47th percentiles for offense and defense, respectively.
Head coach Tom Thibodeau’s reluctance to use small-ball lineups is a hindrance. Non-center lineups played just 32 possessions last season. Jackson, who led the NBA in blocks from 2021-2023, would provide a rim protector for Thibodeau’s five-out offense. The 24-year-old is a career 34% three-point shooter and won Defensive Player of the Year recently.
With aspirations for a title, the Knicks need a true-shooting big man or a willingness to play small-ball to navigate the Eastern Conference effectively.