Julius Randle had a cryptic post on Instagram amid contract extension talks with the Knicks. [photo: Imagn]

Julius Randle has been eligible for an extension with the New York Knicks since Aug. 3. Randle and the Knicks have until June 2025 to negotiate. If no deal is done until then, the forward could opt out of his $30.9 contract next season to play elsewhere.

Randle’s 2024-25 campaign ended in late January because of a shoulder injury. Without him, the Knicks reached the semi-finals of the Eastern Conference behind Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby and others. Many wondered if the team could trade him to boost the supporting cast around Brunson.

On Friday, a fan noted on Instagram that the New York Knicks don’t have Julius Randle jerseys in Madison Square Garden. “Don Julio” reacted to the post with this:

“The truth shall come to light.”

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Randle’s IG comment could mean anything. The absence of his jerseys in the Knicks home court should be concerning, though. Mikal Bridges, who hasn’t played a minute for the team, already has his in the store.

Jalen Brunson’s jerseys dominated the display, a situation that isn’t surprising. He was recently named team captain and given an extension. Brunson is unquestionably the Knicks’ franchise cornerstone now.

Julius Randle is in the books for $28.9 million this season. He has a $30.9 million player option after the 20254-25 campaign. Randle is one of the NBA’s most versatile players who will have no shortage of suitors if he leaves the New York Knicks next season.

Randle is also an excellent fit with the Knicks despite the arrival of OG Anunoby. New York went 12-2 when both started in January before a shoulder injury cut Randle’s season short. With “Don Julio” out, coach Tom Thibodeau asked Anunoby to play power forward and bumped Josh Hart into the starting lineup.

The Knicks may have to trade Julius Randle

Jalen Brunson signed a four-year, $156.5 million contract extension in July, which is significantly below what he could have earned. Per Spotrac, the All-Star guard left roughly $113 million on the table to help the Knicks construct a championship-caliber roster.

If Julius Randle asks for the maximum extension, he is reportedly worth around $181.5 million. The Knicks are likely to trade him if he is looking for that amount. New York is already hard-capped in the second apron without Randle’s extension. Experts believe the team is likely sending him somewhere if it can’t get a discount.

The Golden State Warriors and the Dallas Mavericks are among a handful of teams rumored to be interested if Randle is available for a trade. New York may be in a wait-and-see mode, depending on how it performs next season. Basketball fans are interested to see how the extension talks will play out.