Kevin Garnett Urges Knicks to Keep Faith in Julius Randle Amid Trade Rumors

In the wake of their recent playoff exit, murmurs that keep faith in Julius Randle’s future with the New York Knicks have been gaining traction. The chatter has grown louder, suggesting potential trade packages involving Randle as the Knicks seek to address their need for a consistent primary scoring option. However, NBA legend Kevin Garnett has stepped into the conversation, urging the Knicks to hold onto their star forward.

During a recent appearance on Stephen A. Smith’s podcast, Garnett was adamant about Randle’s value to the Knicks. When Smith suggested that the Knicks might need a new No. 1 option to pair with Jalen Brunson, Garnett was quick to dismiss the idea.

“What is Randle?” Garnett retorted. “Man, Julius Randle is a 25 (points) and 10 (rebounds) guy in this league.”

Smith countered, arguing that Randle hasn’t proven himself as a true No. 1 option. Garnett, however, passionately defended Randle’s capabilities.

“You trippin’… He grew his game with the 3 balls. Man, y’all are trippin on Julius Randle; he’s one of the harder guards in this mug, and he left handed; he got a 3 ball; he can playmake. Man, I mean, he ain’t perfect,” Garnett responded.

Garnett’s argument hinges on the notion that the Knicks’ current roster is well-suited to their style of play—gritty, hardworking, and capable of pushing through adversity. He emphasized that the team’s existing chemistry and work ethic are significant assets that should not be disrupted by bringing in a new superstar.

“Let’s run two years with this team and then talk about the superstar s**t,” Garnett added, highlighting his belief that the Knicks should maintain their current roster for at least two more seasons before considering major changes.

The 2024 playoffs were a challenging time for the Knicks, who faced significant injury issues. Julius Randle’s absence was keenly felt as the team battled through the conference semifinals. Despite these setbacks, the Knicks showcased their resilience, with several players stepping up to fill the void.

Jalen Brunson, in particular, shone brightly during the playoffs, averaging 32.4 points and 7.5 assists per game on 44/31/78 shooting splits until the conference semis. His performances were stellar, but the burden was heavy. The Knicks’ second-best scorer, Donte DiVincenzo, averaged 17.8 points per game on 41.9% shooting, highlighting the need for another reliable scorer alongside Brunson.

Randle’s average of 24 points and 10 rebounds per game during the regular season would have provided much-needed support, alleviating some of the pressure on Brunson and the rest of the team. The Knicks, with their full roster, demonstrated enough depth and versatility to potentially make a deeper playoff run, possibly even upsetting stronger teams like the Boston Celtics.

The Knicks’ valiant effort despite their injuries arguably made them the best underdog performer of the 2024 postseason. Players like Josh Hart, who played through abdominal soreness, and OG Anunoby, who struggled with a hamstring strain, showcased the team’s grit. The Knicks’ ability to exceed expectations under such circumstances suggests that they have the potential to achieve even more with a healthy roster.

Looking ahead, the Knicks are in a strong position to continue building on their success. The talent pool in the 2024 trade and free agency markets doesn’t seem particularly enticing, making it more prudent for New York to retain their core players and focus on incremental improvements. With a young team and a window of opportunity, the Knicks have the chance to grow and develop further.

Kevin Garnett’s passionate defense of Julius Randle underscores a broader sentiment—sometimes, the best move is to trust in the existing roster and give it time to gel and mature. The Knicks have shown they can compete at a high level, and with Randle’s return, they might just have what it takes to go further in future playoff runs.