Knicks Biggest Decision Being Watched Around the League

The New York Knicks are expected to negotiate with Julius Randle on a contract extension.

Jeremy Brener | Sep 3, 2024

Dec 27, 2022; Dallas, Texas, USA; New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) reacts after scoring during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports / Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

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New York Knicks

The New York Knicks have a big question mark on their roster when it comes to the future of Julius Randle.

Randle, who turns 30 in November, is about to enter the final year of his contract this season. Despite rumors of negotiations taking place, no deal has come through.

Bleacher Report writer Zach Buckley believes Randle and his future will be the primary storyline for the Knicks this season until it is resolved.

"A shoulder injury knocked him out in late January, meaning he was shelved for the entirety of the team's trek to the conference semifinals. The Knicks looked quicker and more decisive on both ends without him," Buckley writes. "And yet, he still looms as a big piece of this puzzle. New York badly needed a second shot-creator to extend its playoff run, and Randle's nightly contributions of 24 points and five assists could've done the trick. His best version can really help this team, but his worst flaws could drag it down. Hang some contract uncertainty over all of this (Randle can reach free agency next summer), and this is one of the league's most fascinating situations to track."

The Knicks have expressed that they want to keep Randle and ink him to a new deal, but until he is unsigned beyond next season, he will be linked in trade rumors and questions surrounding his new contract will continue to permeate throughout the New York media.

The Knicks have enjoyed a level of success without Randle, so there's reason to believe that the team could function without him. However, the Knicks are better overall with Randle, and they missed not having him at the tail end of their playoff series with the Indiana Pacers.

Simply put, Randle and the Knicks need each other to succeed.

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Published Sep 3, 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.