4 potential Julius Randle trade options for Knicks this offseason

One of the biggest questions facing the Knicks this offseason is what they'll do at the power forward spot. 

Julius Randle followed up his All-NBA season with a regression for the ages, while Obi Toppin’s potential shined late in the year.

Since head coach Tom Thibodeau avoided playing the two together and fans haven’t stopped chanting for the latter while diminishing the former, this situation appears untenable and should require resolution. This could mean trading either of them, or finally finding ways to play them together.

If New York goes the trade route and decides Toppin is worth keeping over Randle, here are five possible deals that would break up the logjam...

Knicks get: Kyle Lowry, picks
Heat get: Julius Randle

After this postseason, two things should be clear to the Miami Heat: The Lowry signing didn’t go according to plan, and their offense desperately needs another weapon. Enter Randle, who theoretically makes for a nice fit alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo with his shooting and physicality.

This may not be the return of New York’s dreams, but Lowry would be a competent stopgap at the one spot who can defend and initiate the offense without commanding too much of it. The picks, ideally multiple firsts, would make up the difference and give the Knicks additional draft ammo.

Knicks get: Deandre Ayton
Suns get: Julius Randle, picks/prospects

Another basketball relationship in flux is Ayton’s with the team that drafted him first overall but has since refused to shell out for his max extension. This leaves him poachable by some team with cap space, and the Phoenix Suns would reportedly accept a sign-and-trade for him.

So why not take a swing at Randle, who provides real size in the frontcourt and draws serious defensive attention away from their other stars?

For the Knicks, they’d be better off aligning their roster around the youth movement with a terrific defensive anchor who can stretch his offense out, creating better spacing for Barrett & Co.

Knicks get: Dejounte Murray, Doug McDermott
Spurs get: Julius Randle

What the San Antonio Spurs might be up to is never clear, but after three straight seasons of missing the playoffs, and not by enough to secure a franchise-altering draft pick, it may be time for a shakeup. 

Murray, a stat-stuffing, lengthy young point guard is reportedly available, and would make for a dream Thibodeau addition to the lineup.

If the Spurs don’t like the Randle return for Murray, the Knicks could also ask for Lonnie Walker, another athletic prospect, and picks instead.

Knicks get: Malcolm Brogdon, Oshae Brissett, picks
Pacers get: Julius Randle

While it’s unclear if Randle in any way fits into Indiana’s rebuilding plan, he does provide them All-Star talent at a position they need filled more than Brogdon’s. The Knicks would receive some assets and a lesser talent who has dealt with injuries as of late.

It’s not the sexiest trade, but Brogdon can step in and improve the point guard spot immediately on both ends. He’s also adaptable, can be moved around in lineups and fits so snuggly with teams because of his unselfishness and well-roundedness that, when healthy, could help round out a fun Knicks lineup.