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New York Knicks All-Star forward Julius Randle is not going anywhere.
Ian Begley of SNY reported “prominent members” of the Knicks organization consider Randle and RJ Barrett to be two of the core pieces for the team's future.
Begley iterated Randle is off the table “unless a top player becomes available” prior to the March 25 deadline. However, it doesn't seem any “top player” in question will be moved.
New York showed previous interest in Victor Oladipo, who very well could be on the move. But nothing about his current production merits a swap involving Randle. The Knicks also had peripheral interest in Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine, but he is almost certainly staying put. Same goes for Bradley Beal in Washington.
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Begley reported the Knicks have been more reserved in trade talks, adding they could pursue a player like JJ Redick, who is on an expiring contract:
With less than two weeks to go before the deadline, the Knicks have plenty of time to sort through potential deals. New York has been checking in with multiple teams in recent days, which is what you’d expect. But several teams said the Knicks haven’t taken an aggressive approach yet in any trade talks.
It makes sense for the Knicks to keep Randle and add around the fringes for a playoff push, unless a bona fide superstar hits the market.
New York appears to be building in its first season with Tom Thibodeau at the helm, and Julius Randle has emerged as the centerpiece. The Knicks could be better off staying mostly idle and then using impending cap space to make a push for multiple big upgrades this summer.
