The Knicks have a significant amount of draft capital over the next few drafts. But it’s unknown if New York would have any interest in a) trading for Hield or b) including future draft picks in a Hield transaction. Sending Julius Randle’s salary out in a deal for Hield would work under trade rules. As of earlier this week, no Knicks trade with the Kings or any other team was imminent.
NBA Rumor: Julius Randle Trade?
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In any blockbuster trade, the Knicks probably have to add the enigmatic but productive Randle into the mix. Adding Paul and the two years and $85 million left on his contract would likely kill their salary-cap space for the next two seasons. “I think both players are of equal value and I would even give Chris Paul an edge despite his salary and age,” ESPN cap guru and former Nets executive Bobby Marks told The Post. “I have concerns if Oladipo can get back to the high level he was before the injury. He is on an expiring contract and can leave as a free agent. He will likely not sign an extension. Where is he health-wise?”
One NBA personnel man said Dallas’ two first-round picks (2021, 2023), Julius Randle and Dennis Smith Jr. or Frank Ntilikina could whet the Pacers’ appetite. The 28-year-old Oladipo made the All-Star teams in 2018 and 2019, but could have lost explosiveness after tearing a tendon in his knee late in the 2018-19 season. Oladipo didn’t look sharp upon his return.
Knicks open to trading Julius Randle
Are the Knicks looking to trade (Julius) Randle this offseason? Doesn’t seem like he fits with RJ or LaMelo [Ball] (fingers crossed!). — Allan Guce Undoubtedly the Knicks are open to it. His contract for next season ($18.9 million) is manageable but the downside is he will count $4 million on the 2021 cap if they don’t exercise his team option after next season. The 2021 free-agent class is golden. Randle had his moments as a double-double force and is still early in his prime. But Randle’s defense is below average and it’s been reported here his knack of over-dribbling frustrated some teammates, including RJ Barrett. And a bigger disappointment was Randle lost his magic from the 3-point line (27.7 percent). As David Fizdale noted recently, the Knicks could use a 3-point shooting stretch 4. Someone like, say Kristaps Porzingis.
Julius Randle on the move from Knicks?
Despite his relationship with Randle, a CAA client, Rose is certainly open to either dealing Randle or not executing his contract option for the 2021-22 season, though in that case, he still would count for $4 million on the salary cap. Leading into the Feb. 6 trade deadline, the Knicks were willing to move Randle and had talks with Charlotte.
Knicks were interested in trading for Terry Rozier
Prior to the 2020 trade deadline, the Knicks had strong interest in acquiring a few guards. We know they engaged with Golden State on D’Angelo Russell — both before and after the news of Rose’s hire was reported. But prior to the news of the Rose hire, there was strong support in some corners of the organization to try and acquire Charlotte guard Terry Rozier, per sources. The framework of one deal that had internal support sent Julius Randle, Smith Jr. and a future first-round pick to Charlotte for a package that included Rozier and Malik Monk, per sources.
It’s interesting to note because, prior to Rose’s arrival, some questioned internally Randle’s fit with Marcus Morris and RJ Barrett. The idea that there was support for a deal that would have brought Rozier back and included Randle being moved buoys that theory.
Mike Vorkunov: Julius Randle said today he wants to be in NY after trade deadline. Did he anticipate even having to think that when he signed with Knicks months ago? “No. But I’m not surprised. I’ve seen a lot in my years in the NBA, short time I’ve been here. I’m not surprised by anything.”
Sources said that Randle has been involved in trade talks with other teams this season. Everyone but rookie RJ Barrett and second-year center Mitchell Robinson seem to be available.
The Knicks and Charlotte Hornets have discussed a deal involving Julius Randle, league sources confirm. Terry Rozier, Malik Monk and Dennis Smith Jr. are among the names that have come up in discussions between the two franchises, per SNY sources. Rozier was a free agent target for New York over the summer but he ultimately signed a three-year, $58 million deal with Charlotte.
Rod Boone: From what I’ve gathered, there was not much — if any — traction in regards to reported talks between Knicks and #Hornets regarding Julius Randle. Sounds like it was due diligence. That, of course, can always change again before deadline. But nothing imminent between the teams.
Kevin O’Connor: The Knicks and Hornets have had trade talks involving Julius Randle, per league sources.
Julius Randle available?
If Morris is not traded, there will be pressure to sign him to a long-term deal. According to sources, there’s been some internal talks about gauging Randle’s trade value – since his removal from the cap would open more room for Morris. The Post reported exclusively on Jan. 13 they were leaning against trading Morris unless they obtained an All-Star caliber player in return because of their desire to re-sign him. The source said a late first-round pick would not be enough.
The source said it was the Pistons who initiated discussions with a package centered around Drummond and another Pistons player for big man Julius Randle and guard Frank Ntilikina, a player the Pistons have previously tried to pry from the Knicks.
Knicks open to moving Julius Randle
Beyond that, an NBA source said it is believed that the Knicks would be open to moving Randle, though he has the contract locked in for next season.
Will Guillory: Sources: While the Pelicans have explored potential deals involving Julius Randle, it’s unlikely he’ll be moved before tomorrow’s trade deadline. He’s developed a strong bond with the team’s coaching/training staff and there’s a good chance New Orleans could keep him long-term.
Marc Stein: Separate from all things Anthony Davis, New Orleans continues to explore trades for Julius Randle and Nikola Mirotic in advance of Thursday’s 3 PM deadline, league sources say
Marc Stein: “Everybody on [the Pelicans] roster is now available except Jrue Holiday. Maybe we don’t get an Anthony Davis trade this week, but what else are the Pelicans gonna do? Julius Randle, Nikola Mirotic – I would think those are two fairly tradable guys. I know Mirotic, for sure, has had no shortage of teams interested. We might not see an Anthony Davis trade, but the Pelicans are gonna make a trade this week, I think that’s a safe bet.”
Lowe said two teams told him Nikola Mirotic, Julius Randle and E’Twaun Moore were on the table this weekend. “Over the weekend, I had heard from two separate teams that Mirotic, Randle and Moore had all been made available for picks,” Lowe said. “New Orleans is known for perhaps playing some misdirection, so teams didn’t know what to make of this. One team made of it, their guess and/or impression was, New Orleans was trying to get picks that it then flips for a big, big piece in a save-the-season trade.”
Mark Deeks: The sign and trade possibility for Julius Randle exists until he is renounced. And based on the moves so far, he doesn’t need to be. In this era of again-limited cap space, the sign-and-trade may become a thing again, let’s not discount the possibility.
Adrian Wojnarowski: So far, the Lakers have turned down several teams offering second-round picks for Julius Randle, league sources tell ESPN. No one will offer a first with him headed into restricted free agency.
“There’s definitely a human side,” Randle said as he leaned on a wall at the Lakers’ practice facility under a window that displays the team’s championship trophies. “There’s going to be ups, there’s going to be downs, the frustration, there’s going to be happy times. Whatever it is, life’s not perfect.
Randle planned on spending the night before the deadline going through his normal routine on the night before a game — spending time with his family and watching Netflix shows “El Chapo” and “Surviving Escobar.” “I love it here, I love my coaching staff, you know, Luke has been great for me, the assistant coaches, I love my teammates here, so I would love to stay here and finish the season,” Randle said. “We’ve got something good going right now. We’re growing. But regardless, you’ve got to understand it’s a business. And the front office is going to do what they feel like is best for them. Regardless of what happens, I have had a great time here, but I would love to stay. Regardless, it doesn’t matter [because it is out of my control].”
There is a growing sense that the Lakers could hold on to Julius Randle through the deadline. Teams’ awareness that the Lakers need to move Randle to clear the cap space to make a run at the top free agents this summer has diminished the market significantly.
Lakers standing pat at trade deadline?
As the Los Angeles Lakers become more realistic about the franchise’s chances of snaring superstars in the free agent class of 2018, the front office is increasingly looking through a longer lens in its team building process, league sources told ESPN. The Lakers aren’t abandoning a summer pursuit of stars, but rather recalibrating on the possibility of a 2019 class that could include San Antonio’s Kawhi Leonard, Golden State’s Klay Thompson and Minnesota’s Jimmy Butler, league sources told ESPN.
Randle will be a restricted free agent at the end of the season. Clarkson is owed $25.9 million over the next two seasons. The Lakers have listened to offers or explored trades for both players that included first or second round picks, but sources indicate that none of those deals would save significant cap space for the future, thereby negating the initial reason for exploring trades for those players.
While the Lakers could still move either or both players before Thursday’s trade deadline, one league source put the chances of a meaningful trade at “50-50 at best.” If the Lakers were to move Clarkson or Randle either now or at the draft, and find a resolution to the $36.8 million remaining on Luol Deng’s albatross contract — likely via the waive-and-stretch provision — the Lakers could create $60 million in salary cap space in July of 2019. Nevertheless, if the Lakers sit out free agency this summer, they’ll try to use their salary cap space to accommodate teams looking to dump bad contracts — and willing to send draft picks to sweeten the deal, sources said.
Ramona Shelburne: “From what I understand, they’ve had offers for Randle and Clarkson. They’ve had offers where they could potentially get a first-round pick back.”
Will the Lakers reach their goal in terms of trading Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson and/or Luol Deng to create the salary-cap room needed to sign to two max players in the summer before the trade deadline? Deven Parikh, Buffalo, NY STEIN: If the Lakers have to do all that before the Feb. 8 deadline to win your approval, then I don’t foresee a joyous Valentine’s Day for you. But the reality is that they have until the end of June to make all the moves they need to make. Deng will almost certainly have to be waived and stretched; there’s just no trade market for him. But takers for Randle and Clarkson will emerge. The expectation remains that it’s certainly going to cost the Lakers some attached draft compensation to move one or both of those guys, but they’re quality players and suitors will materialize. (And, no, dear readers: It is NOT an accident that I answered a question from a Buffalonian first!)
After this weekend, it’s sort of become a foregone conclusion to some: The Mavs want to attach themselves to DFW native Julius Randle of the Lakers. In trade. Free agency. Something. David Lord and I have been working on this story for a couple of days.
That noted, Los Angeles might also be unlikely to receive those types of offers in the first place, according to Bobby Marks of ESPN: “The biggest obstacle is that he’ll be a restricted free agent in the offseason. In talking to teams, they feel that instead of giving up an asset or first-round pick for Randle, they can just go out and sign him. Give him an offer sheet in the summer and not give up an asset. … If [Lakers] keep him, that’s an indication that they’re going to retain him when we get into the summer.”
Larry Nance Jr. on the block?
The Lakers have made it clear that Clarkson, Julius Randle and Larry Nance are available. Los Angeles has given up hope of unloading Luol Deng’s contract in a trade, because it would simply necessitate attaching too many draft assets.
Jordan Clarkson on the block?
Randle’s situation is worth watching, though. The Lakers would love to trade him if they could, and Jordan Clarkson fits in that category too. Both players know they have been offered in trades by the Lakers, and they’re handling it in different ways. Clarkson is taking a freewheeling approach to this season. He’s having fun, he’s doing his best to listen to the coaches and he’s not worrying too much about the way he portrays himself to reporters.
On Friday night, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Lakers and Dallas Mavericks had some “initial talks” involving Randle and center Nerlens Noel, but that those talks fell apart when Noel got injured. According to league sources, the Lakers have received interest in Randle and Clarkson this season.
As ESPN.com’s Ramona Shelburne recently reported, Deng would welcome a move out of Los Angeles since he’s well outside of head coach Luke Walton’s rotation. If up to 10 franchises have the cap space necessary to take on Deng’s contract, what kind of price would the Lakers have to pay to make a deal? “I would say a [first-round pick] with a good chance to convey in the lottery,” said an executive with another franchise. “I would say that’s in addition to Julius Randle unless the protections were very favorable to the receiving team.”
A wrinkle: Julius Randle will be a restricted free agent with a $12,447,727 cap hold. Adrian Wojnarowski on ESPN: One player whose future is very unlikely to continue with the Lakers is Julius Randle.
“One player whose future is very unlikely to contiue with the Lakers is Julius Randle, their third year forward. Rob Pelinka, their general manager, and Magic Johnson, their president, will be faced with this question. Do they look to trade Randle between now and the February trade deadline and get back potentially a first-round draft pick for him, or do they roll the dice and wait until summer when he’s a restricted free agent.”
Randle said he paid more focus on following through on the Lakers’ request to improve his conditioning than worrying about including him in offers in the failed Paul George trade proposals. “That stuff is not in my control,” Randle said. “What happened and what didn’t, I don’t know. But at the end of the day, all I can control is just me working on my game and get prepared for the next season.”
Lakers offering picks and Randle or Clarkson for George
A day after Markelle Fultz talked up his fit next to D’Angelo Russell following his first workout for the Los Angeles Lakers, there are reports that president of basketball operations Magic Johnson wants to make such a pairing a reality. According to Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress, Johnson “‘is in love’ with Fultz” and might attempt to trade for the Boston Celtics No. 1 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft in order to select him. Givony reports that Johnson might try to do this with an offer of Julius Randle and the Lakers’ own No. 2 pick.
Indeed, it looks like there will be a good deal of time. That’s because the Lakers are not moving any of the three, even as we enter the silly season of NBA trade discussions. According to league sources, the Lakers have not included any of the three into trade discussions, and do not figure to change that. They’re unlikely to consider moves involving their two other young role players, Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr., who figure to be key parts of the rotation in the near future.
That doesn’t much matter. Here’s what one Western Conference scout said about the state of the Lakers: “If you made a list of the 20 best players who are 22 or under, I think you’d have to have all three of the Lakers’ young guys on there. They’re three of the best young guys in the league. There’s really not a lot of teams can say that, and I think a lot of mediocre teams would like to swap rosters with the Lakers right now.”
Most encouraging, though, has been the way that Ingram has begun to break through, scoring in double digits in each of his past four games and shooting 50 percent or better from the field in five straight. Ingram is loaded with talent, and sometimes displays so much versatility that he doesn’t know on which area of his game he should focus. But, the scout said, “He is probably going to be the best of the three. When you look at his physical assets and what he is capable of just from a raw potential perspective, the sky is the limit. He has to be developed; that’s obvious. He looks to me like he is learning to assert himself more out on the floor. He’s got to figure out where he fits between Randle and Russell. But they’re so young, there will be plenty of time to make that smoother.”
Russell and Randle, one executive noted, “will have value in a trade to get a better player.” That’s the crux of where the Lakers are. Assuming they’re able to keep their pick, do they continue building through the draft and follow the model that has worked so well in San Antonio and Oklahoma City? Or do they cash in their chips to trade for a star?
Unless some significant move comes to the Lakers’ doorstep, you’d think any young piece wouldn’t be on the move come Thursday. Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle, D’Angelo Russell and Larry Nance Jr. shouldn’t be considered “untouchable,” but the Lakers likely won’t be breaking up their young core.
The Los Angeles Lakers are currently rebuilding. The storied franchise has brought in three promising young pieces to the puzzle over the past two years in D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, and Jordan Clarkson. All three of these players could be All-Stars in the making, but there’s no guarantee the trio will remain in Los Angeles long-term. According to Colin Cowherd of Fox Sports, the Lakers would trade parts of this trio to bring in superstar talent. Cowherd said the following about the rumored mindset of the Lakers brass regarding possibly trading the team’s talented young core on Thurs. Dec. 3 on The Herd: “The Lakers would trade three of them. They’d like to keep Julius Randle. They’d move the other three to rebuild it with multiple free agents and Randle’s the only one they really truly believe is ready very quickly to be on a really good NBA team.”
January 19, 2021 | 9:05 pm EST Update
Joe Ingles returns after three games injured
Andy Larsen: Both Joe Ingles and Derrick Favors are available for the Jazz tonight vs. the Pelicans.
Harrison Wind: Thunder coach Mark Daigneault on the big Jokic/Poku face-off: “Big Serbian night tonight.”
Drew Hill: Taylor Jenkins on De’Anthony Melton’s DNP yesterday: “I just wanted to try something a little bit different.” He was mixing up the rotation.
Wes Goldberg: Andrew Wiggins is listed as questionable for tomorrow’s game against the Spurs with right knee soreness.
Jason Anderson: Kings F Marvin Bagley III (wrist) is probable and C Hassan Whiteside (hip) is questionable for tomorrow’s game against the Clippers.
