Knicks’ star power forward is eligible for $181.5 million extension.
The New York Knicks have been active with contract extensions this summer, signing Jalen Brunson to a historic four-year extension for $156 million — a significant reduction from what he might have received next year — and re-signing OG Anunoby to a five-year, $212 million deal.
They also got their head coach involved in the extension celebration, as he inked a three-year contract to remain as the Knicks’ head coach during the championship window, putting him on course to become the franchise’s longest-tenured head coach since Jeff Van Gundy, who guided the team for seven seasons.
Next on the list is all-star power forward Julius Randle, who will be eligible for a four-year, $181.5 million extension on Saturday. Currently, his four-year, $117 million agreement signed in 2021 includes a player option after next season, which he is expected to refuse in order to seek a greater salary. According to Fred Katz of The Athletic, keeping Randle as a member of the core for the long term is not as simple as it was with Brunson.
“Whether the Knicks think Randle redundant, indispensable, or somewhere in between, a bloated extension might harm their long-term finances and hence their ability to field a consistent contender. It implies that offering Randle an extension is only worthwhile if, like Brunson, he is willing.
Julius Randle is a crucial aspect of the Knicks club.
Randle has been a crucial player for the Knicks during the last few seasons, and he played a significant role in the team’s recovery after decades of being uncompetitive. Since 2021, the Knicks have made the playoffs three times in four seasons, with Randle being named an All-Star in each of those three seasons and an All-NBA selection in two of them.
Last season, the Knicks saw what a big three of Randle, Brunson, and Anunoby could accomplish when they went 12-2 in 14 games together. Randle’s All-Star season was cut short before it could truly take off due to a dislocated shoulder.
There is no questioning Randle’s talent, as he has averaged 23.3 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 5.0 assists over the last four seasons. He has been efficient in all areas of the game, improving his three-point shot while dominating the interior. With Mikal Bridges now on a loaded Knicks squad, one can only imagine how this addition will help Randle’s game grow even more next season.
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