Knicks considering termination of contract for Star player after been injured beyond limit to…

The New York Knicks faced a season riddled with injuries, culminating in a decisive 130-109 loss to the New York Knicks in Game 7 of their Eastern Conference semifinals series. Julius Randle, whose injury sidelined him since January 27th, has been somewhat forgotten amidst the prolonged absence.

Now, as the offseason approaches, the Knicks are confronted with tough decisions regarding Randle’s future with the team. Despite players like Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo stepping up in Randle’s absence, the front office must weigh the options of either retaining Randle for his final guaranteed year or considering trading him before risking losing him in free agency or committing to a substantial contract extension.

Before his season-ending shoulder injury, Randle had earned his third All-Star selection in four seasons, showcasing impressive statistics for New York with 24 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, along with a 47.2% field goal percentage. While Randle’s star status is unquestionable, the emergence of other key players during the Knicks’ playoff run has clouded his future with the team.

Randle is currently under contract for the upcoming 2024-25 season, with a player option for the 2025-26 season. The likelihood of Randle opting out in pursuit of a more lucrative deal is considerable, prompting the Knicks to address his future this offseason, even if a resolution isn’t immediate.

Despite Randle’s contributions, the Knicks may not feel compelled to offer him a substantial contract extension, especially considering his age (entering his age 30 season) and concerns about consistency and fit alongside Jalen Brunson. Consequently, the front office could explore trade options for Randle during the offseason.

The emergence of the Knicks’ depth during the playoffs has altered their offseason plans, originally focused on pairing Randle and Brunson with another star. Now, they may pivot towards strengthening their core without Randle, potentially moving on from him to enhance the roster that nearly reached the Eastern Conference Finals. As the Knicks weigh their options, Randle’s availability in trade discussions will draw significant interest from teams across the league.