Julius Randle's injury could cost him spot on Knicks roster

Julius Randle will miss the New York Knicks' playoff run. The All-Star forward was recently ruled out for the season following surgery on his shoulder. 

He hasn't played since the Knicks' win over the Miami Heat on Jan. 27. Since then, the Knicks have gone 20-15. Their record likely could have been better had OG Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson not dealt with their own injury issues.

The Knicks' ability to remain competitive without Randle could be a bad sign for his future with the franchise. According to an Eastern Conference GM who spoke with Sean Deveney of Heavy on Sports, the Knicks could explore trading their star forward during the summer.

“There is going to be a lot of pressure on them to move him, no matter what they do in the playoffs,” the GM said. “If they win without him, then they do not need him. If they lose without him then they need to make big changes, and he’s really the only tool they have to make a big change.”

Randle has been an integral part of the Knicks rotation in recent years. He was the initial building block for Tom Thibodeau's team. However, with the continued evolution of the Knicks roster, Randle may find himself being listed as disposable in trade discussions.

New York could potentially make the Eastern Conference Finals this season. It will certainly aim for that type of success in 2025. If parting ways with Randle will help further strengthen the team's core, the Knicks would likely explore their options. After all, his absence from the rotation hasn't derailed the Knicks' season.

Randle is in a peculiar spot. The more success the Knicks enjoy in the coming weeks, the more disposable he appears. At that point, it might make sense for him to explore a fresh start elsewhere, especially if he's no longer going to command the minutes and touches he needs to be successful at the highest level.