New York Knicks should pursue Julius Randle hard in free agency

New York Knicks, Julius Randle
Feb 25, 2019; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Julius Randle (30) blocks a jump shot by Philadelphia 76ers forward Jonah Bolden (43) at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

While some New York Knicks Twitter managers might be opposed to bringing on New Orleans Pelicans’ center/power forward Julius Randle as he might steal playing time from Mitchell Robinson, a player of his quality can’t be ignored.

Reports of there being a mutual interest between Randle and the Knicks have sparked optimism for a potential deal. The 24-year-old opted out of his contract with the Pelicans after the trading of Anthony Davis and will hit the open market this offseason, a boost to the number of players available for the Knicks.

From Marc Spears of ESPN’s The Undefeated:

Other free agents on the Knicks’ radar include their own free-agent center DeAndre Jordan, Warriors center DeMarcus Cousins and twins Markieff and Marcus Morris. New Orleans Pelicans forward Julius Randle and the Knicks also have mutual interest, according to sources.

“We are going to have the opportunity to meet with the guys we want to meet with,” [Knicks president Steve] Mills said without offering details or confirming names.

Randle, who set career highs of 21.4 points per game and 30.6 minutes per in 2018, would bring a steady and consistent play-style and production to New York. Once the dealing begins on June 30, the Knicks would be smart to snatch him up to ensure he doesn’t take his talents elsewhere.

Theoretically speaking, the Knicks could sign Randle, point guard D’Angelo Russell, and Kevin Durant with the $73 million in open cap they have available.

Randle and Russell won’t earn max-contracts at this point in their career, but two extremely productive and efficient players helping develop the youth on the team and prepare for Durant’s return would be ideal. A starting team consisting of Randle. Russell, Durant, Barrett, and Robinson would be deadly.

The Knicks could stick to their own guns:

Reports have also stated that the Knicks are interested in bringing back DeAndre Jordan, a player who’s good friends with Durant and could end up wherever he goes. Jordan, who averaged 11 points last season, hold value for a much cheaper price. Personally, I feel as though signing Randle would be in the best interest of the team moving forward and would help them in their quest to find success.