BREAKING: Mavericks Blockbuster Trade to another crucial commitment
Trade speculation will continue to surround Julius Randle until he and the New York Knicks finalize a contract extension. On August 3, he becomes eligible for a four-year, $181.5 million deal.
Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report suggests a “blockbuster” trade sending Randle to the Dallas Mavericks.
In this proposal:
**Dallas receives:**
– Julius Randle
**New York receives:**
– P.J. Washington
– Daniel Gafford
– Jaden Hardy
– 2025 second-round pick (via Toronto Raptors)
– 2028 second-round pick (via Miami Heat)
Swartz suggests Gafford could help bolster the Knicks’ center rotation.
“The Knicks need another center with Hartenstein gone. Gafford, who averages 11.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, and shoots 72.5 percent, could fill that role either as a starter or reserve. Washington, with 12.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 0.8 blocks, is a reliable rotation forward. Hardy, 22, brings scoring potential off the bench.”
Washington could replace Randle, and Hardy has potential beyond his current stats. Last season, Hardy averaged 7.3 points in 13.5 minutes per game, equating to 19.3 points per 36 minutes.
Randle, a Dallas native, averaged 24 points, 9.2 rebounds, and five assists per game in 46 games with the Knicks last season. However, there’s no indication yet that New York is willing to trade the three-time All-Star.
Why Would Dallas Go All-In On Randle?
Dallas endured a challenging NBA Finals, falling to the Boston Celtics in a gentleman’s sweep, losing four games to one. They struggled across multiple facets of the game.
To mount a return to the championship series next year, the Mavericks have begun reshaping their roster in free agency, bringing in veterans Klay Thompson and Naji Marshall.
The question remains whether these additions are sufficient to surpass the Celtics. If the answer is no, Dallas possesses the assets to pursue a significant trade.
While it’s uncertain if the proposed trade package would be enough to acquire Julius Randle, his addition would significantly bolster their title prospects against any opponent.
Rebounding was a weakness for the Mavericks last season, averaging just 42.9 rebounds per game, ranking 22nd in the league. Midseason acquisitions like Gafford and Washington improved the situation slightly, pushing their average to 44.1 rebounds per game over the final 27 games, which placed them 11th overall.
Randle would bring a more versatile rebounding threat to the team. Stathead data shows he averaged the third-most rebounds among players standing 6-foot-9 and shorter.
Why Would The Knicks Trade Randle?
Julius Randle was a central figure in New York basketball until Jalen Brunson joined the scene. However, Randle has faced injury setbacks in consecutive postseasons and is now approaching a contract extension eligibility starting August 3.
The Knicks have bolstered their lineup with acquisitions like OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, potentially leading to a surplus of starting-caliber players. Donte DiVincenzo, who set the team’s record for most 3-pointers in a season last year, may find himself moving to the bench.
Despite multiple attempts, a frontcourt pairing of Randle and Mitchell Robinson hasn’t consistently succeeded since 2019. Last season, when both were on the court together for 1,140 possessions, the Knicks outscored opponents by 2.3 points per 100 possessions. However, with Randle on and Robinson off the court for 2,148 possessions, that margin increased significantly to 9 points per 100 possessions.
The absence of Hartenstein could pose a significant challenge for New York. When the starting center was off the floor last season (3,816 possessions), the Knicks were outscored by 0.7 points per 100 possessions. This may seem marginal, but their offensive and defensive metrics ranked in the middle of the pack (51st and 47th percentiles).
Coach Tom Thibodeau’s preference against deploying small-ball lineups could be a potential hurdle for next season’s plans. Non-center lineups saw very limited usage last season, accounting for just 32 possessions (0.004%).
Looking ahead to next season, the Knicks aim to contend for a title. Any trade that brings in help for the center rotation, along with additional assets, would be viewed positively.