Julius Randle responds to Knicks trade rumors

Julius Randle has not seemed happy this season, and a report this week claimed he could be setting the stage to force his way out of The Big Apple. The Knicks star insists that is not going to happen.

Marc Berman of the New York Post published a story on Tuesday that listed multiple instances in which Randle has distanced himself from the Knicks. Some people around the NBA compared the situation to the way James Harden acted in Brooklyn before the Nets traded him. Following Wednesday night’s loss to the Charlotte Hornets, Randle said he has not asked for a trade and is committed to the Knicks.

In addition to firmly denying that he asked Knicks for a trade, Julius Randle reiterated multiple times tonight that he wants to be w/NYK long term, something he’s said several times in the past. When asked about playing amid scrutiny in New York, Randle said “I’m built for it.”

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) March 31, 2022

Randle is New York’s leading scorer. He has had a solid season on paper with 20.1 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, but the stats hardly tell the entire story.

Randle made headlines this week for not celebrating the Knicks’ win on Monday night with the rest of the team. Randle has refused to talk with the media at times; been in fights with other players; gotten into it with an assistant; and reportedly had fans ejected. Randle also gave a thumbs down to Knicks fans.

The Knicks may look into trading Randle this offseason, regardless of how he feels about it. Randle signed a four-year, $117 million contract extension with the Knicks last year that kicks in next season. There should be a decent market for the 27-year-old given his recent production.

Photo: Nov 8, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first half at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Mitchell Leff-USA TODAY Sports