NBA icon and Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade thinks highly of Julius Randle, who declined his $9 million player option with the New Orleans Pelicans for next season.
Wade, who announced his retirement during the 2018-19 campaign, says it's time for Randle to get paid.
Pay this man https://t.co/yN01ZmdUIe
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) June 17, 2019
Although the Pelicans (33-49 and 3rd in the Southwest Division standings) failed to reach the playoffs, Randle enjoyed a great season. In fact, it was his best statistical campaign thus far.
In 73 appearances (49 starts), the former No. 7 overall pick racked up averages of 21.4 points on 52.4 percent shooting from the field (34.4 percent from beyond the arc), 8.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 30.6 minutes per outing.
Randle, now 24 years of age, is already drawing interest from several teams, including the New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns.
Via Marc Berman of The New York Post:
If the stars don’t align for the Knicks, team president Steve Mills could take his $74 million in cap space and try one-year deals with some of the better free agents. Or in a long-term deal, pursue former Laker and Pelican Julius Randle, whom they like, or take a flier on former No. 2 pick Jabari Parker, who has been an injury-riddled bust.
Exactly where Randle will be playing next season is still up for debate, but it's clear that Dwyane Wade thinks the young star is worth the investment.
Let's see if his endorsement has an influence on potential suitors.
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