Teams are preparing for training camp as the NBA offseason stalls. Teams will presumably start the season with their current rosters, and any major changes will likely wait until the trade deadline.
Lauri Markkanen (who can’t be traded) and Brandon Ingram have dominated trade rumors for the last month, but Knicks forward Julius Randle is now the hot name due to his lack of an extension since August 3rd.
For extra depth around Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges, the Knicks might deal Randle. Since Brunson signed a team-friendly deal, the Knicks might trade Randle for quick help to fill their high salary slot. The Knicks need a center and depth, but is a deal possible?
The new CBA limitations make Randle trades tricky, but a third team could help.
While an apparent team to trade for Randle may be hard to identify, what about a team that has been one of the poorest in the league and wants to make the playoffs?
Charlotte seemed to be in the lottery forever, despite making the NBA Play-In Tournament in 2022. LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Mark Williams (when healthy) are impact players for the Hornets, while Tidjane Salaun is for the future. If they stay healthy and things go well, Charlotte may make the play-in tournament and playoffs. Could they sign Randle to boost talent?
The Hawks traded Dejounte Murray to the Pelicans for Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance, and two first-round picks. After that, reports persist that the Hawks will move Clint Capela, De’Andre Hunter, or Nance to center their team around Trae Young.
Let’s consider a transaction that benefits all three teams.
This is a fun and hypothetical exercise to see what changes can be made, not what the Hawks should or will do. Only that.
Atlanta receives: Grant Williams and Vasilije Micic
Knicks Receive: Nick Richards, De’Andre Hunter, 2027 1st pick via Miami (protected 1-14), and a 2025 2nd round pick via New Orleans
Charlotte Receives: Julius Randle and Cody Zeller
Atlanta conducts this transaction to add depth and get off Hunter’s long-term deal. Williams would enhance defense and shooting for the Hawks, who lack a backup power forward behind Jalen Johnson. To backup Kobe Bufkin, the Hawks might use Micic, a strong and affordable point guard. Hawks avoid luxury tax and save money.
No deal for Atlanta: Does it improve them? It meets some needs, but Micic and Williams have problems. Williams struggled in Dallas before being dealt to Charlotte.
This transaction gives the Knicks an inexpensive center who could help if Mitchell Robinson gets hurt again. Hunter provides them more defensive wings and just had his finest shooting season. They recoup some draft picks from the Mikal Bridges trade.
Why don’t the Knicks trade: Are they better? Randle has weaknesses but has made two All-NBA teams with the Knicks. Hunter has injury issues and three more years on his contract, while Richards is uncertain. Knicks are going for a title, so draft capital in a deal may not matter.
This transaction is intriguing because a starting lineup of Ball, Miller, Bridges, Randle, and Williams may help the Hornets reach the play-in tournament and playoffs. Charlotte seldom signs free agents like Randle, so trades are necessary. While they may not make the NBA Finals, this young core needs to show their potential after a long losing streak.
Hornets don’t do this deal since it doesn’t make them contenders and they lose assets. Randle has an off-season player option. Would he rejoin Charlotte? Having him leave without a contract would risk losing good players and draft picks.
Trades like these are unusual, but you may argue for both sides.