A 3-Team Julius Randle Trade That Would Bite the New York Knicks | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats & Rumors

The Knicks grew into a playoff team with Randle, but the team’s identity has evolved. Randle isn’t LeBron James’ equivalent, but their games share similarities as big, strong, physical shot-makers. With the rise of the Villanova Knicks (Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, Josh Hart and now Bridges), Randle is a high-priced shot-stopper who just doesn’t fit anymore.

Williams, nearly 26, is listed as 6’6″, 236 lbs.—Randle (nearly 30) is 6’8″, 260—but Williams has more experience as a role player, having spent time in Boston with the Celtics (and briefly in Dallas with the Mavericks). Williams is the better defender and shooter of the two, with a career three-point percentage of 37.7 percent (Randle’s is 33.3 percent). Though Williams is not traditionally tall, he plays bigger (suitable at either forward position, but probably best at power forward).

More importantly, Williams has a team-friendly contract for the next three years ($40.9 million), and the Knicks address a major issue with the loss of Hartenstein in Richards. The reserve center is 7’0″ and under contract for two years ($10 million, second year non-guaranteed).

The Knicks go from over the first apron with a $13.4 million luxury tax penalty to completely under the tax threshold ($170.8 million). The “first two” they give up likely won’t read as such — they’re actually three second-round picks, along with losing Sims, who would have slotted behind Precious Achiuwa, Robinson and Richards in the rotation.