Knicks should not be buyers at the trade deadline

Sticking Around

Julius Randle has been a big disappointment so far this season. It seems unlikely the Knicks will move the sixth year pro since they signed him to a three-year, $63M deal last summer, to be the focal point of their offense. It was the only deal NYK gave out in offseason that runs past 2021

This 2019-20 version of Randle is not performing like the player they thought he was when they signed him. Randle is averaging almost as many turnovers as assists (2.9 to 3.2 ratio) while shooting the lowest field goal percentage since his rookie year (44.9 percent). Randle’s points per game have also taken a step back from 21.4 to 18.5, despite having an increased offensive role with the Knicks compared to what he had last season with New Orleans.

Final Thoughts

The Knicks have many trade assets at their disposal. The question is how will they use them? Will they use them to stockpile draft picks and open up more playing time for their talented younger players such as RJ Barrett, Mitchell Robinson, Frank Ntilikina, and Damyean Dotson? It would be in the Knicks best interest to utilize the players who will be around long-term, given the state of their rebuild.

Or will Perry use the assets to try to pointlessly upgrade the current roster despite the fact his team is very far out of the playoff picture? That move seems counterproductive to the development of their young stars. The first option is definitely the best.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.