“I still wanna be a part of helping trying to bring a championship to the Knicks.” This quote from Julius Randle made back in January 2022 perfectly articulated the goal he had set with his current franchise. Three seasons later, however, the Knicks have come no closer to contending for the Larry O’Brien trophy than before. Furthermore, it doesn’t help the situation with rumors floating that Randle may end up getting traded sometime in the remain Off-season period. Even the player himself now seems to have added fuel to the fire, generating reactions from the NBA world.

Earlier today, the 29-year-old NBA star took to Instagram to highlight a worrisome update by a fan. The same highlighted a picture of several players’ jerseys present for sale at a shop over at Madison Square Garden, but Randle’s was noticeably absent. The player wrote a caption right over the picture, stating “Worddddd this how y’all feel? @nyknicks (laughing emojis)”. He followed that story up with another, in which he simply wrote “The truth shall come to light.” Oh boy!

Either Randle jerseys have been too much in demand these past few days, or there must be some truth to the trade rumors floating soon enough. Holding on to the similar belief, fans did not stay quiet about their reaction to this news for long.

Fans React as Julius Randle’s jerseys are not available for sale at Madison Square Garden

One social media user did not choose to play around with words. The missing jersey clearly pointed out to him that the New York Knicks were making Julius Randle available for sale, and no one could tell him otherwise.

Ever since he became available for an extension back in August 3, the Knicks star is yet to sign a new deal. Given that signing one now would make him ineligible for a trade for the next six months, the signs point towards the franchise possibly looking for a new home for their player. Even as reports of mock trades are circulating online, the Knicks are not providing any official statements about the future of the power forward.

One social media user not only highlighted his belief that Randle was being traded, he was also quite specific on where the player might go. After all, with Klay Thompson’s exit, the Golden State Warriors are still in need for a good ‘right-hand’ for Stephen Curry.

Back in mid-July, Heavy.com highlighted a 3-team trade proposal that would send Julius Randle and Jericho Sims to the Warriors. Both teams, in turn, would work together to send Miles McBride, Moses Moody, and Andrew Wiggins to the Utah Jazz, while the Knicks would receive Walter Kessler, Kevon Looney, and Collin Sexton. With both the Knicks and the Warriors facing issues in regards to luxury tax and aprons, the Utah Jazz’s cap space would allow changes to be made without worsening the franchises’ condition. However, come September with just a few weeks remaining until the season begins, the Warriors will have to move fast to acquire Randle. Or maybe, they already have.

Another individual highlighted his belief that even if it wouldn’t happen now, a Julius Randle exit seems imminent. In such a situation, he thinks that OG Anunoby will take over as primary power forward.

Both Julius Randle and OG Anunoby suffered from significant injuries during the recent NBA season and were sidelined for an extended period of time. According to SNY’s Ian Begley, however, it would be “surprising” if Randle’s injury allows him to be present by the start of training camp. For the reporter, a likely comeback moment might be Opening Night itself or any later games. In such a situation, Anunoby may have to take over as primary power forward. If the injury woes motivate the Knicks to trade Randle, however, that temporary change could become permanent.

One social media user used a LeBron James meme to ask what many people might have been thinking: Is Randle going back home? After six years of having left the franchise behind, a possible trade might take the 3x NBA All-Star to the Los Angeles Lakers. That is, if he could work out any differences he personally may hold against the four-time champion.

In an interview with Basketball Forever, Randle highlighted that if given the choice, he would have been a Laker for life. Unfortunately, things got complimented when the franchise signed LeBron in 2018 for a $154 million contract. This crushed any hope for Randle, a restricted free-agent, who was hoping that his performance would result in a huge contract. As he would go on to state “The money basically dried up. I was kind of like in limbo.” Well, no better than opportunity than now to make things right!

Overall, the majority of fans were united in the belief that it’s bye-bye time for Julius Randle. Only time will tell whether the rumors hold any merit.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.