Breaking: Knicks offers star a $181.5 million new four-year contract extension.
Star forward Julius Randle of the New York Knicks is now qualified to sign a $181.5 million contract extension. Rather than waiting for Jalen Brunson to become a free agent the following year after unavoidably taking a pay cut, the Knicks have already made amends with him by offering him a new four-year contract.
Having said that, Randle is about to embark on what is expected to be his last year of a $117 million, four-year contract. For the 2025–2026 season, when he turns 31, he has a $30.9 million player option.
Having said that, Randle is among the most effective power forwards in the league and has been one of the Knicks’ finest players for the past several seasons. With Randle recovering from a surgically repaired dislocated shoulder, the Knicks might not be prepared to shell out $45.2 million a season for him. Nevertheless, he will undoubtedly sign a big contract when he hits the free agent market.
Julius Randle should be patient with the Knicks.
In fact, with some quality players set to hit free agency in 2025, the front management has no need to fork over that kind of cash at this time. Rather than aggressively extending Julius before they see what his production looks like after shoulder surgery, the Knicks might decide to save the money and wait.
Randle averaged 24 points, 9.2 rebounds, five assists, and a.472 field goal percentage during the previous campaign. After appearing in just 46 games, he was named an All-Star for the third time. They should have signed him to a new contract merely on the grounds that they sorely missed his worth during the postseason. The last year of his contract would be ripped up and replaced with a new one, bringing their total wage allotment to $15 million.
There has been cause for concern in the past due to his unpredictability, particularly his defensive miscalculations. He is, nevertheless, a superb rebounder and a phenomenal scorer in the paint. Given that Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby are excellent three-point shooters, the Knicks might avoid using him on the perimeter in the upcoming campaign.
Putting His Strengths First
The Knicks’ wings should be able to take advantage of their skill set if Randle takes fewer perimeter shots and concentrates on using his physicality in the paint.
