The man who revived the Knicks from an 8-year playoff drought has been struggling to get back on the floor. This may sound strange, but Julius Randle was the only hope of the New York side after Carmelo Anthony‘s 2013 postseason run. It took them almost a decade to get back into the postseason side of things. Before Jalen Brunson’s arrival, the Knicks faithful placed all of their hope in Randle. However, injuries have gotten the better of the 29-year-old, as talks around his contract extension slowly hover around the front office.

Randle signed a 4-year $117 million extension back in 2021. Not to mention, this contract also includes a player option for the 2025-26 season. He’s proved his worth, averaging 23 points, a smidgen under 10 rebounds, and 4.7 assists while shooting over 44% from the field since inking the deal. However, as he approached the third season of his contract, Julius faced his worst nightmare. In a game against the Heat, he suffered a season-ending injury, which consequently required surgery.

Having missed the remainder of the 2023-24 regular season and the playoffs, Randle now awaits his contract extension. Or does he? Well, as Ian Begley reported on SNY, neither the Knicks nor Randle are in a rush to get to the paperwork. The forward will be eligible to sign a 4-year deal that can scale up to over $180 million. Speaking about the same, the veteran has been eligible for an extension since August 3rd. But signing that big extension, which many assumed he would, will make him untradeable until the first 6 months.

Nevertheless, keeping Jalen Brunson’s extension in light, the Knicks will definitely consider extending Randle’s stay this month. But why is that? Well, if Randle looks to wait until his player option, the New York side will probably exceed the second apron limit in the 2025-26 season or cut it too close for comfort.

Like Brunson, Randle might also take an indirect pay cut with an extension and the NY side won’t want to lose their privilege by paying taxes. While this would mean missing out on a lucrative contract next season, then again, Julius will be getting the most out of an extension.

On the other hand, a lot depends on how the following season goes for the Knicks. Coming off a tough loss in the second round, the Knicks are headed in the right direction, except, they could use a little more help outside of Jalen Brunson. To counter this problem, the franchise recently added another former Villanova member and a well-known entity for many on the current roster, Mikal Bridges. Of course, he will be accompanied by the veteran too.

Julius Randle’s return is vital for the Knicks’ upcoming season

At this point, the Knicks have all the pieces they need. With Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Julius Randle, the squad has sufficient depth. Not to mention guys like Mitchell Robinson and Miles McBride, who are also useful assets to the team. Now, the Knicks just have to play their cards right for a deep playoff run. Yes, the competition in the East has picked up serious pace, but New York can still push into the top five or even a top three seed in the Conference.

It will be an interesting season for the Knicks if Julius Randle stays healthy throughout. Last season, in his limited capacity, he averaged 24 points, 5 assists, and just over 9 rebounds in 46 games, while going 47.2% from the field.

The New York Knicks’ last Finals appearance was back in 1994. They have a solid chance to become title contenders, but it won’t be an easy task as they look to face emerging rosters like the Embiid-Maxey-PG Sixers, the Magic who were dark horses, and the Cavs. What are your thoughts on the Knicks’ future? Do you think Randle’s impact can lead them into the Finals? Let us know in the comments.

Feel that you can do with another update from the sport of basketball? Then do check out this recent interview with the up-and-coming Georgia Lady Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.