The New York Knicks explored potential trade options for Julius Randle this offseason, engaging in discussions with the Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, and Miami Heat, according to sources from Ian Begley of SNY.
Despite these talks, no deals materialized with those teams, and Randle was ultimately traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night. This move signals a significant shift for the Knicks as they reshape their roster ahead of the upcoming season.
Randle, who holds a player option worth $30.9 million for the 2025-26 season, had been a key figure for the Knicks but had not made progress in contract negotiations with the team during the offseason.
Reports from ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Bobby Marks indicated that the two sides were not close to reaching a new agreement. Given the uncertainty around his long-term future with the Knicks, the trade marks a fresh start for both Randle and the organization.
Randle’s departure follows several seasons of mixed performances, including an All-Star campaign in 2020-21, but also inconsistency in the playoffs.
His move to the Timberwolves could offer a new environment for him to reestablish himself, while the Knicks look to move forward with a different roster construction.
Knicks Discussed Julius Randle Trades With Pistons, Hawks, Heat https://t.co/oM2GPhNgw4
— RealGM (@RealGM) September 28, 2024
