July 2019 was a tough month for New York Knicks fans. The franchise and its faithful had high hopes of signing NBA superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Unfortunately, those dreams were dashed when both Durant and Irving chose to join their crosstown rivals, the Brooklyn Nets. The Knicks' key acquisition that summer ended up being Julius Randle, who signed a three-year, $63M deal.
Since 2013, the Knicks had endured a rough stretch, finishing a combined 166 games under .500. During this period, the team was managed by Steve Mills and Scott Perry, who took charge of the front office. In the aftermath of the Durant and Irving snub, the Knicks signed several players to short-term, team-friendly deals. These acquisitions included Bobby Portis, Elfrid Payton, Taj Gibson, Marcus Morris, Alec Burks, Derrick Rose, and Nerlens Noel.
Randle's Remarkable Journey
Despite the initial disappointment, Julius Randle became a beacon of hope for the Knicks. He averaged 23 points and 10 rebounds per game over his first three years with the team. Randle's durability also stood out, as he played in 220 out of 246 games during that span. His performances earned him two All-NBA team selections and three All-Star appearances.
Randle's impact was felt deeply as he led the Knicks to three playoff appearances during his tenure. He averaged 36 minutes per game from 2020 to 2023 and played over 40 minutes in 43 of those games. His resilience and consistency were pivotal in bringing some much-needed success back to Madison Square Garden.
A Changing of the Guard
However, the Knicks front office made a significant move by trading Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Karl-Anthony Towns. This trade signaled a new direction for the franchise as it aimed to build a competitive team around Towns.
The Knicks also made strategic trades to bolster their roster, acquiring OG Anunoby in December and securing Mikal Bridges over the summer. These additions were part of the Knicks’ broader strategy to create a more robust and balanced team.
The tumultuous period for the Knicks was underscored by the remarks of Kevin Durant, who bluntly stated, "The Knicks were no longer 'cool'." Despite the stinging words, the Knicks brass remained undeterred in their efforts to reshape the team and rekindle its storied legacy.
Historical Context
Looking back, it is clear that the Knicks have a history of significant trades and signings. In 2010, David Lee signed an $80M sign-and-trade deal with the Golden State Warriors, and in 2015, Lee earned an NBA championship ring with the Warriors. Such moves highlight the franchise's long-standing pursuit of top-tier talent, even if success has been elusive at times.
In conclusion, the Knicks' journey over the past few years has been marked by moments of both optimism and frustration. The franchise's ambition to land superstars didn't pan out as hoped, but the emergence of Julius Randle provided a much-needed boost. As the Knicks continue to retool their roster with players like Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges, fans can hope for a return to the postseason and, perhaps, the eventual restoration of the Knicks' “cool” factor in the NBA.