The New York Knicks thought they had landed a superstar when Julius Randle broke out a couple of seasons ago. He was dominant in the paint, put the ball on the floor, and played the best ball of his career in the regular season.
Then, just like something out of Space Jam, the Atlanta Hawks took his superpowers away by double-teaming him and getting into his head. He hasn't been the same player ever since and will likely never be.
The word around the NBA was that the Knicks weren't sure of Randle's status as a franchise player. He was arrogant and got into it with the fans and the coaching staff in one of the most infamous incidents of the season.
But even if he's not an All-Star anymore, multiple teams could still use a scoring power forward who can dominate on the offensive glass and score 17+ a night. Also, with the Knicks looking to land a star, he'd have to be included in any trade for salary-matching purposes.
With that in mind, let's take a look at three teams that could make a run for him.
Ok, picture this. The Knicks actively recruited Kevin Durant before he signed with the Nets, and he admitted that he was pretty close to signing with them. Durant wants out; the Knicks want a star... so...
The Knicks have made Donovan Mitchell their primary target, or so they say. But they can trade as much as eight first-round picks and have a plethora of young players, plus Randle, to make a Godfather-like offer the Nets can't refuse.
If the Knicks are serious in their pursuit of Donovan Mitchell, then Julius Randle will likely end up in Utah. The Jazz will gladly absorb his big salary if it comes with multiple first-round picks attached.
The Knicks have been the most aggressive team in talks for Mitchell, and they have a baseline to build on from the Rudy Gobert trade. At this point, it seems like it's up to the Knicks to make an offer or not.
Anthony Davis and Julius Randle thrived together with the New Orleans Pelicans. The Los Angeles Lakers drafted Randle. So, why not go full circle and run it back?
The Knicks have been rumored to be a potential dark horse for Russell Westbrook, and this trade would be on point with their never-ending string of questionable decisions. In return, the Lakers could get rid of Westbrook and still get a serviceable scorer.
