Knicks Trade Deadline Primer: Part 1

The NBA trade deadline is just one month from today.

The February 10th NBA trade deadline is just a month away.

At the moment, New York is two games below .500 and tied for 10th place in the East, but much can change over the next four weeks. 

While the Knicks have some winnable game on their upcoming schedule, things get nasty in late January. Starting on Jan.24, the Knicks travel to Cleveland, Miami and Milwaukee for a three-game road romp before returning home to take on the Kings and Grizz. They then begin a brutal five-game road trip in February, which includes playing the Lakers, Jazz, Nuggets and Warriors over a five-day stretch. 

So, while it's difficult to predict where the Knicks might stand in relation to playoff seeding a month from now, let's take a look at where things stand as of this morning.

Traditionally, when breaking up an existing roster into segments for a trade primer column, you start with players deemed "untouchable." However, with this Knicks squad, I'm not sure there is a player that can be classified as such. 

In this first of multiple posts looking ahead at the upcoming trade deadline, we'll start with players who are unlikely to be dealt.

Julius Randle: 
Back in August, when the Knicks inked Randle to a four-year, $117 million max contract extension, it was assumed the burly forward would be a franchise cornerstone for the foreseeable future. However, after averaging a whopping 24.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game last season, en route to being named the NBA's Most Improved Player Award, Randle has taken a significant step back in 2021-22.

Not only has his production and efficiency decreased, but (as I've detailed previously in this space) Randle's lack of effort and intensity (especially on the defensive end) have raised red flags. Then, after Thursday night's thrilling victory over the Celtics, Randle foolishly directed a message at Knicks fans inside MSG: "Shut the fuck up." So, yeah, the first few months of this season have obviously not gone according to plan. 

Still, despite the drama, Randle is still averaging 19.5 points, 10.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists a night in a "down year." To put those counting stats in context, there are only three other players in the NBA averaging more than 19 points, ten boards and four dimes per game this season: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokić and Joel Embiid. 

So, should the Knicks consider moving Randle at the right price? Absolutely. Should they sell low because he had a disappointing start to a season? Nah.

Remember, Randle, who has proven himself durable, celebrated his 27th birthday in late November and is just now entering the heart of his prime. While he's currently a bit miscast as the centerpiece of a competitive team, he would likely excel in a secondary, supporting role. And his salary is by no means an albatross, considering his overall production.

As far as potential destinations, a swap with Sacramento centering around Randle and De'Aaron Fox as two primary pieces might make sense for both sides.

pic edit via @SinisterKnicks on Twitter