Extension Coming for Knicks' Julius Randle?

New York Knicks star Julius Randle could be next in line for a contract extension.

Jeremy Brener | Jul 18, 2024

Jan 23, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) looks to pass the ball against Brooklyn Nets forwards Mikal Bridges (1) and Dorian Finney-Smith (28) and guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

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New York Knicks

The New York Knicks signed OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson to extensions earlier this offseason. But could Julius Randle be the next to earn some financial security?

"Randle is eligible for an extension starting Aug. 3," SNY reporter Ian Begley writes. "It can be as long as four years and for as much as $181.5 million."

Like Brunson, Randle wants to see the Knicks go all-in for a title run and he believes New York is a contender for the championship in the upcoming season, especially after trading for Mikal Bridges. However, Randle isn't looking at a long-term contract just yet.

"Extension talks aren’t at the forefront for either the Knicks or Randle," Begley writes. "Randle sees this group as having a chance to get it done; and wants it badly. That’s partially why an extension isn’t at the forefront for Randle right now. He understands the importance of adding a backup center to this Knicks roster. And he knows how important it is for team president Leon Rose and his front office to spend their time finding that backup big and building the best roster possible. If the Knicks have success this season, everything surrounding Randle’s next contract will work itself out."

Even though the Knicks enjoyed playoff success without Randle this spring, they could have advanced further if he was on the floor. Randle averaged 24 points, 9.2 rebounds and five assists per game this past season in 46 appearances for the Knicks. When Randle was on the floor with Brunson and Anunoby, the Knicks were 20-3, so New York should definitely value the All-Star forward and what he brings to the table.

The Knicks should also not be in a rush to re-sign him. Randle has made it clear that he wants to win in New York and the team's pivoting direction hasn't soured the three-time All-Star.

Randle's pure focus is winning a championship, and he knows that the Knicks provide arguably the best chance for him to do that in the upcoming season and likely in the next few years.

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Published Jul 18, 2024

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.