Extension talks reportedly remain on the back burner for both Knicks, Julius Randle

Julius Randle and the Knicks could work out an extension at any point between now and the end of the season. The All-Star forward is making $28.9 million this season, has a player option for next season ($30.9 million) and could sign a three-year extension now.

Other than this remaining on the back burner for both Randle and the Knicks, reports SNY.TV’s Ian Begley.

If the Knicks sign Julius Randle to a large extension, he will be unable to be moved before the 2025 trade deadline. Players like Randle who sign large extensions cannot be traded until six months after the deal date (more on that below). Beyond that, I don’t have a concrete update for you. We reported last month that an extension was not on the cards for either Randle or the Knicks. Randle has been eligible for an extension since August 3. The Knicks and Randle could agree to an extension at any time between now and June 30. Based on how things have played out since August 3, it doesn’t appear that either side is in a rush to get anything done.

In this case, both parties are willing to let things take their course and then make a decision.

Randle suffered a shoulder injury in late January that ultimately required surgery, sidelining him for the remainder of last season and the playoffs. Randle played well and was a key part of the Knicks’ 12-2 January rebound after trading for OG Anunoby before both were injured (Anunoby returned before the end of the season).

How things look with a core of Jalen Brunson, the newly acquired Mikal Bridges, Anunoby and Randle will go a long way to determining next steps — New York should look like a contender to threaten Boston at the top of the East, and the front office will want to keep that core together. For Randle, if he can put up All-Star numbers again, the value of that next contract goes up (signing now, coming off an injury, is not when his leverage is at its peak).

It’s all something to watch in New York. With Brunson’s extension set to kick in next season (albeit at a lower number), and extensions for Randle and Bridges looming in the coming years, this roster is going to get a second apron expensive very quickly. Some tough decisions could loom.

That could all be delayed a bit. The Knicks should be healthy going into training camp, and Leon Rose’s Knicks are being something the franchise hasn’t been in decades: patient. They could let all or part of this season play out and then make a decision. That seems to be the plan for everyone involved in Randles’ extension, but things could change quickly if the parties can find a number they agree on.