5 perfect trade destinations for Julius Randle if Knicks system proves incompatible for NBA veteran
After exiting last season with an injury, Julius Randle is ready to make a comeback next season. The New York Knicks star played only 46 games before going out with a shoulder injury, which required surgery. While he's ready to return to the court, there are rumors surrounding his future with the Knicks.
Randle is in the final year of his contract, which could pay him over $28 million. Assuming if Randle decides to move to another team, here are the five most fitting trade destinations for the Knicks player.
Five possible trade destinations for Julius Randle if Knicks system proves incompatible for NBA veteran
#1 Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets are not the most preferred trade destination for many players. However, if Randle decides to move away from the Knicks and become a certified star in the city, the Hornets could be the perfect option for him.
A Julius Randle trade to the Charlotte Hornets could benefit multiple teams. According to Bleacher Report, one of the trades the Knicks could pull off would involve the Hornets and the Washington Wizards.
The biggest benifit he would have with the Hornets is the pay advantage. The Knicks star might not be able to land a contract he wants to, but the Hornets could realistically give him a lucrative offer.
#2 Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors and Julius Randle have something in common between them: their quest for the NBA title. The Warriors want to move some pieces for the right offer. Although they wouldn't want to part ways with talents like Jonathan Kuminga, they could be swayed with Randle's offer.
The Warriors also have other pieces like Kevon Looney, Andrew Wiggins and Gary Payton II that they could use in a trade. The Warriors would have a better piece around Steph Curry, and Randle would also have a shot at playing for a championship-caliber team.
#3 Utah Jazz
From Lauri Markkanen and Colin Saxton to John Collins and Jordan Clarkson, the Utah Jazz have all the pieces to trade for Julius Randle. The most probable trade scenario could most likely involve Markkanen.
However, the Jazz could also trade for Collins and Walker Kessler. Randle's presence on the floor with Markkanen would make them a playoff contender, while the Knicks would get a certified shot blocker and scorer.
#4 Miami Heat
The Miami Heat might pull off the trade faster than any team if they can get the right offer. Their stint with Jimmy Butler has largely failed, while Randle seems dissatisfied with the Knicks.
Jimmy Butler will earn over $20 million more than Randle in the next season. However, according to Brian Windhorst, the Knicks also have a couple of draft picks in the first round they could use to facilitate a trade for Randle.
#5 Brooklyn Nets
While the Brooklyn Nets' pockets are tied, they still have great players on the roster they could use in the trade. Dorian Finney-Smith, Cam Johnson and Nic Claxton could be used by the Nets to land Randle.
With his family already in New York, it would be an easy and good move for Julius Randle. However, unlike the Knicks, Randle wouldn't be on a championship-contending team.