Randle will go from a 2021-2022 cap hit of $19.8 million to over $23.7 million, with increases that concludes with a compensation of $29.4 million in 2025-2026. Making things even more difficult is the fact that Randle signed a contract extension for four seasons, valued at $117 million, which kicks in at the start of next season. What is fair is pointing at New York's results this year and wondering out loud what role Randle has played in New York's decline, after winning 56.9% of their games last year, compared to just 41.7% this season.
It's unfair to guess on Randle's own perception of the Knicks and his role on the team, since body language is hardly a reliable science by any measure.
His shot-selection is spotty, and his defensive effort comes and goes, which probably could be forgiven if he often didn't look like a player who'd want to do anything but play basketball some nights.
In between the inconsistencies is a Randle, who often visually looks like a player who isn't engaged. The Knicks rarely get the same version of Randle, leaving his teammates to pick up the pieces from his bad games, and being forced to adapt to games where he dominates, understanding they won't see the ball as much in those games.
