Amid transfer rumors, Julius Randle plans to stay with the Knicks and deliver his best
New York Knicks were rumoured to test the transfer market for Julius Randle. The forward is their best player this season but the teams’ position in the league and aspirations caused a change of hearts for the Knicks. But Randle intends to stay with the franchise.
Randle, who averages 19 points this season, leads the team in assists and rebounds. But his shooting percentage has taken a slight hit and also is not seen as an effective weapon in the closing stages of the game.
The Knicks were considering building around Julius Randle, and then suddenly changed their centrepiece with more efficient players. As per the Athletic, Randle said, “I still wanna be the part of helping to try to bring Championship to the Knicks.”
A very bold and clear statement made by the talented forward makes his stand clear. Knicks have signed many new players and it will be difficult for them to keep Randle and shop on other players to fulfil their postseason aspirations.
Randle signed a 4-year extension earlier this season. After just 5 months, that contract seems illogical suddenly. Knicks are 12th in the East and have a 23-27 record. Their best player is shooting 40% from the field and 30% beyond the arc.
2021 seasons’ most improved player has seen a huge drop in his performances. He was booed by the Knicks fans and even had on-court differences with the team members. But he still believes he can be part of the Knicks’ “turnaround”. He accepts the fact that he and the team need improvement but he wants to continue growing with the Knicks only. (as of now).
Most of the other teams have different priorities than Randle. Even if any team is looking for a forward position to fill, they are having better options in the market than Knicks’ Randle. Randle has 4 years $117 million contract with the Knicks and very few teams can offer him the same amount.
As for the Knicks, moving Randle would change their style of play and offensive-defensive strategies. A lot will depend on the incoming players and team Chemistry. Just 32 games are left in the regular season and less than 2 weeks for the Trade deadline.
The front office needs to make a firm decision over the Randle situation, to save their season.
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