Photo Credit: Sarah Stier/Associated Press
The 2022-23 NBA playoffs haven’t been exactly kind to New York Knicks power forward Julius Randle. Throughout the playoffs, Randle hasn’t been his usual self, putting up just 15.9 points, 8.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game on 37.5% shooting from the field.
The Knicks managed to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in the opening round of the playoffs despite lackluster production from Randle. But that no longer seems the case against the Miami Heat in the second round where the Knicks desperately need Randle to step up and play like a superstar.
His playoff struggles have now led NBA analyst and Knicks enthusiast Stephen A. Smith to set his sights on a potential trade. According to the popular media personality, the Knicks should trade the 28-year old star for Minnesota Timberwolves big man Karl-Anthony Towns.
“I think they should trade him. If you can get your hands on a KAT, I think they should take it. With durability, I don’t think anybody can compete with Julius Randle. He is Mr. Reliable, played the first 77 games of the season, played the last 5 games,” Smith told JJ Redick. “I would rather have a Karl-Anthony Towns than Julius Randle. And I know he is 32 years old. You know what I would do that? And I know I am dreaming, but I am allowed to dream. We are sufferers, and once again we are going to suffer at the hands of Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler.”
“I think [the Knicks] should trade [Julius Randle]. … I’d rather have Karl-Anthony Towns than Julius Randle.”
😮 @stephenasmith pic.twitter.com/ndKx9fabIE
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 9, 2023
