To maximize their championship window, the Oklahoma City Thunder addressed a critical need this summer by strengthening their front court with the addition of former New York Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein. His arrival in July has elevated the Thunder to among the top contenders for next season’s title, potentially making them perennial threats for the Larry O’Brien Trophy. However, in the ever-changing NBA landscape, trade rumors are always swirling, especially for a team like the Thunder, known for making bold moves in recent years.
During a recent episode of “The Hoop Collective,” NBA analyst Brian Windhorst reported that the Knicks are exploring trade options for Julius Randle, the two-time All-NBA and three-time All-Star forward who is set to earn around $30 million next season. With Hartenstein’s similar salary, the Thunder could consider extending that level of pay to a player of Randle’s caliber. The Knicks appear ready to move on from Randle, and his $29 million salary makes him highly tradable, according to Windhorst. If the Thunder were interested, New York would likely entertain offers.
Randle is a versatile big man who has expanded his skill set to include a reliable outside shot. Adding him to Oklahoma City’s roster, which is already strong in the frontcourt, would enhance their interior play and two-way presence. Randle could even be positioned at small forward in late-game scenarios, creating a nearly unmatchable lineup alongside Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren. However, acquiring Randle would likely require the Thunder to sacrifice depth, a starting player, and several draft picks.
Oklahoma City has consistently focused on building for the future, valuing draft capital highly, as shown by the Josh Giddey-Alex Caruso trade in June. Although Randle posted impressive stats last season, averaging 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists on 47.2% shooting, his injury history, particularly in consecutive postseasons, raises concerns. Ultimately, the Thunder may be hesitant to pursue a deal that could disrupt their long-term strategy, especially if it involves significant sacrifices. This cautious approach is evident in their limited free agency activity this offseason.
