Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle
Oct 8, 2015; Ontario, CA, USA; Toronto Raptors forward James Johnson (3) guards Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) during the second quarter of the game at Citizens Business Bank Arena. Reuters/Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

KEY POINTS

  • Randle joins list of possible players Knicks may trade away
  • Knicks need to add more speed and firepower this season
  • Randle's contract could be a problem if the Knicks place him on the block

The New York Knicks are in a hole and several of their players are in the NBA trade rumor mill. After Marcus Morris, Taj Gibson and Bobby Portis, the latest player the Knicks are allegedly open to trading is Julius Randle.

Toting a 6-21 win-loss record in the Eastern Conference, hearing a team potentially offering some of its players is not surprising. But Randle's case is a bit different. He is locked in until next NBA season although this can easily be turned. This may happen if some team comes along and agrees to take in his three-year $62.1 million deal, Newsday reported.

The 6-foot-8 Randle is coming off a superb season with the New Orleans Pelicans. This is one of the reasons why the Knicks got him. However, his averages have dipped a bit since last season. After norming 21.4 points and 8.7 rebounds, the 7th overall pick of the 2014 NBA Draft saw a dip in scoring (17.4) per Basketball Reference.com.

Randle could be a valuable trade chip for the Knicks who are likely to rebuild again. Some players may be kept but there will be casualties. It all depends on the direction New York intends to go. A lot of that depends on Mike Miller (for now) who succeeded David Fizdale.

One department that needs improvement for the Knicks is their defense. Despite the presence of several big men, New York has been slow to react on the defensive end. Against the Denver Nuggets, they allowed 111 points on 92 possessions, the New York Post reported. The numbers would be higher if they faced an explosive team like the Los Angeles Lakers or even the Houston Rockets.

Their offense could also use some work. They lack shooters who can hit it from deep, an area that could be addressed by adding offensive-minded players. Randle does take outside shots but is not known to do that consistently. He is known more as a banger who loves to operate the perimeter.

There is no telling if the Knicks can turn things around in time. Changes need to be done and players could be moved. The New York forward line has been plaguing NBA trade rumors. Some may go while others may not. Could Julius Randle be one of them?

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