Nobody on the outside could've predicted the season the New York Knicks are having. With a record of 37-29, Tom Thibodeau's squad is set to make the playoffs for the first time since 2013. Likewise, the season Julius Randle has had is one that has featured him taking his game to unforeseen levels. Randle was a first time all-star earlier in the season and has a legitimate case to be an all-pro. What's next for Randle is a big decision that looms in the offseason.
As Brian Windhorst of ESPN notes in his recent article, the Knicks' contract in 2019 to Randle was filled with hedges and outs for New York in the event that things just didn't work out. The exact opposite has come to fruition. With Randle's contract for next year not fully guaranteed, there are decisions to be made that affect the long term money Randle can cash in on.
“It would begin with New York fully guaranteeing Randle's contract for next season. Currently, just $4 million of Randle's $19.8 million deal for next year is guaranteed, a reminder of the Knicks' hedge when signing him back in 2019. After that, the Knicks could add up to $106 million in guaranteed money. Including incentives, that could leave Randle with five years and nearly $140 million.” – Brian Windhorst
It's insane to think now, given what Randle has done in 2021, that he's currently only guaranteed $4 million for next year. While that will certainly be worked out in the offseason, the big decision comes down to whether or not Randle will wait until 2022 to become an unrestricted free agent, when he can really secure the bag.
“That's a healthy payday for Randle, who at age 26 should be heading into his prime. But it's significantly less than he might be able to get if he waits to become an unrestricted free agent in 2022. If Randle produces at an All-Star level again next season, the difference between an extension in 2021 and a max contract he could demand in 2022 could approach $100 million.” – Windhorst
So sign the extension this offseason and get the bag or wait until 2022 and try to get the bigger big? That's the question Randle has to answer. One thing has remained clear and that's the desire for both the Knicks and the Randle to make this a long term setup for the two sides.
“I want to be a part of building something from the ground up. There's no better place than New York to do it, no better organization or fan base that's hungrier … than here in New York,” Randle said on The Woj Pod. “I want to be a part of that, honestly, for the rest of my career.” – Julius Randle on The Woj Pod
That's music to the ears of the New York Knicks front office and their fan base.
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