KnixinSix wrote:R-DAWG wrote:spree2kawhi wrote:How and when do you expect the Randle situation to unfold?
I think ideal for the Knicks would be Randle opting into his 30.95mm option for next season and signing a 2 year section off of that which I believe would start at 43.3 and be a 2 year $89.9mm deal (total extension would be for 3 years 120.85mm)
The opt in would give NY just shy of $23.7mm of room below the apron with 10 players under contract - Anunoby, Brunson, Randle, Bridges, Hart, Robinson, DDV, McBride, Dadiet, Kolek. Enough room to use the taxpayer mid level (5,685,000), use bird rights to bring back Precious (or a player acquired via Precious trade) and have a few vet min slots.
NY has a window next year to operate under the 2nd apron, but very little path to not be a 2nd apron team the following 2 seasons. The next opportunity NY has to make a significant trade will likely come on draft night on 2026 - when NY can trade their 2026 1st, 2033 1st and the Detroit 1st NY has is potentially much more valuable than it currently is. At that point, I think Randle on a 2 year, sub max deal is a positive asset (Anunoby can also be the anchor or a trade).
I’m not saying this is ideal for Randle - ideal would be to trade him for a better #2 that turns this team from pretender to contender. But under the circumstances I think this makes the most sense.
How desperate is Minny to shed the KAT contract? We have a glaring hole at the 5 spot right now. The Donovan trade with Cleveland didn't happen until September.
I just don't think keeping Randle is a good idea unless he is willing to work with us on his contract. But all indications seem to point to him wanting to get the bag.
I don't see a path to getting KAT without including Josh Hart. Randle + Mitch + Duce is still +/- $1.25MM short of completing the trade.
I do like the idea of having KAT at the 5 and mixing offense/defense with Precious or small ball at the 4. Under the old CBA, Randle + Mitch for KAT would have been a no brainer.
Randle + Hart + Mitch + Duce for Towns + Reid would be very interesting IMO
Brunson/Bridges/Anunoby/Reid/Towns
Kolek/DDV/Precious
The wolves would have:
Conley/Ant/McDaniels/Randle/Gobert
Dillingham/Duce/NAW/Hart/Robinson
Wolves improve their depth. Knicks balance out their roster.