LOS ANGELES — Turning the tables to grill a reporter, Julius Randle appeared to dismiss any talk about getting traded by the Knicks before the deadline next week.
When quizzed about the reports of his possible relocation Friday, Randle thrice asked for the source of such information.
“That sounds like gossip,” the power forward concluded.
If nothing else, the tense back-and-forth portrayed confidence from Randle that he hadn’t heard anything substantial about a possible relocation. There have been rumors — and nothing is off the table when a team is floundering like the Knicks — but Randle’s contract runs into 2026, and recently he expressed a desire to see it through, despite the struggles and contentious relationship with the fan base.
Randle also noted his appreciation for James Dolan, the owner who gave him the $106 million contract extension and more recently paid a $25,000 fine so that Randle didn’t have to talk to the media.
“I just think Dolan’s great. I’ve talked to him obviously,” he said. “He’s our team owner, so I have a relationship with him. I think he’s super supportive in us as players. Like I said, I appreciate it.”
So what if Randle stays? Can he turn it around?
He is playing well below the All-NBA standard set last season. Many around the league anticipated a regression, but his efficiency statistics have plummeted to ugly lows.
The most obvious is 3-point shooting, which had fallen from a career-best 41.4% last season to just 30.3% heading into Saturday’s game against the Lakers. An 11% fall on 5 1/2 attempts per game is a dealbreaker in the NBA. Defenders are now conceding that shot to Randle while dropping back to thwart the drive, adding to his struggles and poor decisions in the paint.
There are possible explanations for Randle’s 3-point woes. A popular theory is last season’s success was a fluke played out in empty arenas, when 3-point efficiency was up across the league.
Randle couldn’t pinpoint a reason.
“No. You go through phases. You shoot the ball well, you don’t shoot the ball good,” he said. “It’s basketball. Nothing changed for me.”
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said he’s confident Randle will ultimately land at the league average for 3-point efficiency (35%), which would require massive improvement in the final 30 games.
Coincidentally, Randle returned Friday to his former home in L.A. — the Crypto.com Arena, formerly Staples Center — where he spent the four seasons of his career. In 2017, the Knicks front office of Steve Mills and Scott Perry watched Randle dominate their squad and Kristaps Porzingis to the tune of 27 points and 12 rebounds.
Mills later revealed that game served as the impetus to change the makeup of the roster, with the focus shifting to athleticism and physicality. About 17 months later, Mills signed Randle. About 2 1/2 years after that, Randle was checking off another box on the Knicks Bingo board by answering questions about his possible trade.
“I trust (the front office), trust Jim (Dolan), everybody,” Randle said. “I feel like they’ll do what’s best for the team. I’ll ride with it whatever way they go.”
