Julius Randle knew he was eligible for an offseason extension and that he would be able to make more money if the New York Knicks waited one year before signing a new contract.
Randle could have been eligible to receive a contract extension of approximately $200 million if he had waited until 2022 when his contract was due to expire.
Randle instead signed a $117 million four-year deal. This secured his financial stability and gave the Knicks financial freedom moving forward.
Randle stated that while the money was important, for me it was about my happiness, my basketball situation, my family, being in New York, and continuing to build this business. This was my vision when I signed here two year ago. To be able to lock down something long-term and build something new from the ground up. This is what we are doing. All hands are on deck.
Randle had a great season in 2020-21 with the Knicks, winning the NBA's Most Improved player award. Randle averaged 24.1 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, all career highs. He also shot 41.1% from the deep. Randle shot nearly 160 3-pointers last year, which was almost as many as he made in his five previous seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans combined.
Randle, 26, said that he debated whether to wait or not but eventually decided to secure his future as soon possible.
Randle stated, "At the final of the day I've had stops along my career where I haven’t been happy playing,". I understand both sides and what it takes to win in this game. It's hard work being on a team with bad chemistry and hard work.
"And for myself, I really enjoy going to work every day, no matter what it was: practice, flying, or playing a sport. It's a great job that I enjoy, and I'm proud to be a Knick.
After the Oklahoma City Thunder bought the contract of the veteran point guard, the Knicks signed Kemba Walker. In free agency, Evan Fournier was also signed.
Randle stated that he was willing to assist the Knicks in attempting to sign other free agents, but for the moment, his focus is on improving and winning.
Randle stated, "I don’t believe there’s a better spot to win a championship that here." Randle said, "I wanted to be part of that, so I felt like that I could help." I felt that signing the extension could help Leon Rose, [Knicks president] get pieces and build the team further so that we could have that chance."
