Knicks Trade Rumors: NY Not Willing to Attach Draft Picks to Julius Randle in Deal

The New York Knicks have been unwilling to include draft picks in a trade for Julius Randle, according to The Athletic.

The Knicks haven't been willing to attach a first-round or two pick to him.

R.P. Salao of Clutch Points reported in June that the Knicks had exploratory conversations about moving him. It would be hard to trade the veteran after he took a step back during the campaign.

The Knicks inquired with other teams about Julius. I don't think I'm hopeful. I don't think you'll be able to predict what will happen this summer if you want them to trade him. It's like giving him away. If you take back a contract of equal value, it might be possible.

In 71 games over the course of the 2020-21 season, he averaged 24.1 points, 10.2 rebound and 6.0 assists, while shooting 48.6 percent from the floor and 41.2 percent from deep.

He averaged 20.1 points, 9.9 rebound and 5.1 assists in 72 games in the 21st century, but his numbers dipped as he shot 41.1 percent from the floor and 30.8 percent from the outside.

The Knicks finished 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 37-45 record and missed the playoffs for the eighth time in the last nine seasons.

Considering the fact that he signed a four-year, $117.1 million extension last summer, it's no surprise that teams would be interested in the Knicks attaching some draft capital.

The Knicks aren't willing to include first-round draft picks to move the Kentucky product.

The Utah Jazz star would have to be acquired by the Knicks with as many first-round picks as possible.

According to The Athletic's Shams Charania and Tony Jones, New York offered Utah Obi Toppin, Evan Fournier and five future first-round draft picks. The Knicks offered two future picks, but Danny Ainge wants four, according to the New York Post.

With negotiations for Mitchell's services ongoing, there's no chance the Knicks would attach a first-round pick to a trade.