NBA rumors suggest the New York Knicks and LA Lakers could enter into trade talks for Julius Randle if Donovan Mitchell is traded to the Knicks. Marc Stein recently reported on these rumors saying (via Legion Hoops):
“A very connected person in the league told me … If Donovan Mitchell were to end up with the Knicks, there could be discussions between the Knicks and the Lakers involving Julius [Randle].”
Stein also reported that the Lakers wouldn’t hesitate to take back Randle’s long-term salary. He is owed $117 million over the next four seasons. The Knicks will have four players earning at least $100 million on their salary books if they acquire Donovan Mitchell, which could be a factor in their reason for trading Randle.
The New York Knicks are reportedly among teams interested in accepting Russell Westbrook’s $47 million salary next season, so he’s likely to be the player the trade would center around. The LA Lakers and Knicks will swap contracts as part of the deal, and LA could retain at least one of their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks.
NBA rumours: Does the acquisition of Julius Randle make sense for the LA Lakers?
Julius Randle began his NBA career with the LA Lakers in 2014. The former Most Improved Player winner suffered a season-ending injury within 14 minutes of his league debut. Nonetheless, he returned to play four seasons with the franchise and averaged 13 points and nine rebounds per game during his time in Hollywood.
Since then, Randle has played for the Pelicans and Knicks, improving his production and becoming just about a 20-point, nine-rebound-per-game player. He had a stellar 2020-21 season, averaging 10/24/6, making his first All-Star appearance and winning the MIPOY award.
However, Julius Randle struggled to maintain that momentum last campaign. His effectiveness as a two-way player dropped massively. Based on his performance last year, Randle doesn’t seem like a solution to the LA Lakers’ problems. He’s an ineffective shooter from deep and doesn’t really discriminate defensively from the ground.
Perhaps the Lakers see him as a rebounding threat and a reliable backup option for LeBron James or Anthony Davis, who have been injury-prone the past two seasons. Julius Randle has only missed 11 games over the past two seasons. With a 6’8″ frame and 250 pounds, it will also offer size in the fenders.
The LA Lakers could also bank on Randle to improve his game next season, leading to better market value for the player in the 2023 offseason. This may allow them the flexibility to add more talent by trading him. .