# What is Julius Randle‘s Salary? A Deep Dive into the Knicks Star‘s Lucrative NBA Contract - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/what-is-julius-randle-salary/ - Published: 2023-10-26 - Author: Lillie Gabler - Categories: [Tips](https://33rdsquare.com/category/home/tips/) --- Julius Randle bet on himself when he signed a 3-year, $63 million contract with the New York Knicks in 2019. After being traded by the Lakers and bouncing from New Orleans to New York, Randle earned financial security with a deal that has already proved to be a bargain for the resurgent Knicks. As we dive deeper, we‘ll analyze Randle‘s salary and contract value from every angle – from his draft pedigree, to ranking among NBA and Knicks salaries, to projecting his next massive payday. Whether you‘re a lifelong Knicks fan or fantasy owner wondering if Randle‘s worth a top pick, you‘ll leave an expert on his earning power. ## From Texas to Kentucky to NBA Lottery: The Julius Randle Story Before Julius Randle became a $20 million dollar man, he carved a path from prep standout to college phenom to lottery selection: - Grew up in Dallas and dominated Texas high school basketball, winning three state titles - Consensus top-3 recruit – chose University of Kentucky over Texas in 2013 - Averaged 15 points and 10.4 rebounds per game for Kentucky in 2013-14 - SEC Freshman of the Year, All-SEC First Team, All-SEC Defensive Team - Drafted #7 overall by Los Angeles Lakers in 2014 NBA Draft Randle joined a select group of Wildcat big men drafted in the top-10 like Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins, and Karl-Anthony Towns. His freshman season showcased a bruising and agile power forward ready to bang in the NBA paint. The rebuilding Lakers added Randle to pair with lottery picks like D‘Angelo Russell and Brandon Ingram. ## By the Numbers: Randle‘s Year-by-Year Statistical Progression While Randle‘s second NBA contract brought him a wealth of job security, his on-court development also paved the path to his current salary: | Season | Age | Games | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2014-15 | 20 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | 2015-16 | 21 | 81 | 11.3 | 10.2 | 1.8 | 0.7 | 0.7 | | 2016-17 | 22 | 74 | 13.2 | 8.6 | 3.6 | 0.6 | 0.5 | | 2017-18 | 23 | 82 | 16.1 | 8.0 | 2.6 | 0.5 | 0.5 | | 2018-19 | 24 | 73 | 21.4 | 8.7 | 3.1 | 0.7 | 0.5 | | 2019-20 | 25 | 64 | 19.5 | 9.7 | 3.1 | 0.9 | 0.2 | | 2020-21 | 26 | 55* | 23.2* | 11.0* | 6.0* | 0.5* | 0.5* | *Marks current season averages Randle increased his scoring output every season while remaining an elite rebounder. His assists also took a leap when joining the Knicks as he embraced a larger playmaking role. After turning potential into production, Randle earned All-Star honors for the first time in 2021. His salary now aligns with his on-court value as a multidimensional big man. ## How Randle‘s $18.9M Salary Compares to Other 2019 Free Agent Signings While the Knicks deal was viewed as an overpay at the time, Randle‘s contract now looks like a bargain compared to other 2019 free agent signings: - Kemba Walker – 4 years, $140.8 million with Celtics - Tobias Harris – 5 years, $180 million with 76ers - Khris Middleton – 5 years, $178 million with Bucks - Nikola Vucevic – 4 years, $100 million with Magic Walker and Harris landed max contracts from contenders, despite neither earning an All-Star nod in 2019. Middleton and Vucevic both re-signed for huge deals after career seasons. Randle‘s AAV of $21 million per year now looks priced appropriately, especially considering his vital role as New York‘s primary option. The 2019 offseason was defined by inflated contracts, and Randle‘s deal fits right in. ## Just How Important is Julius Randle to the New York Knicks? Simply put, Julius Randle _is_ the present and future of the New York Knicks franchise. There‘s no questioning Randle‘s value both on and off the court for a rebuilding team: - Team leader in points, rebounds and assists – nightly 20-10 threat - Became first Knicks All-Star since Kristaps Porzingis in 2018 - Embraced leadership role – leads culture change under Thibodeau - Cohesive fit alongside RJ Barrett – cornerstones of young core - Brings winning pedigree from Kentucky and Lakers to perennial loser Randle averages nearly 33 minutes a game – the definition of a workhorse go-to option. He‘s embraced the pressure of performing in the league‘s biggest market. And his success has translated to team success. Randle has the Knicks in playoff position after missing the postseason for seven straight seasons. ## What NBA Analysts and Writers Are Saying About Randle Don‘t just take my word for it – NBA experts universally praise Randle‘s development into a two-way star: > "Julius Randle made the leap this season. He‘s not just an energy big – he‘s a true hub for an offense now. The Knicks have their cornerstone." – Kevin O‘Connor, The Ringer > "Randle should get serious All-NBA consideration. He‘s built different this season – scoring, playmaking, shooting, defending. Total package and the engine for this shocking Knicks team." – Zach Lowe, ESPN > "Tough as they come. Randle has that grit and fearlessness you want as the face of your franchise. He won‘t back down from anybody." – Richard Jefferson, MSG Network Randle‘s motor and leadership intangibles only elevate his value. He sets the tone for a scrappy Knicks squad. ## How Does Randle Stack Up Against Knicks Legends? While it‘s much too early to etch Julius Randle‘s name amongst the greats in Knicks lore, his style and impact does evoke shades of Knicks legends like: - Charles Oakley – bruising post play and rebounding - Anthony Mason – versatile defense and playmaking - Patrick Ewing – interior scoring and rim protection Randle may not have the signature mean streak of Oakley or defensive wizardry of Ewing, but his throwback, physical style would mesh perfectly with those rugged 90s Knicks crews. Just 26 years old, Randle also has time to craft his own unique Knicks legacy. ## Projecting Julius Randle‘s Next Contract Barring injury, Randle should opt into his $19.8 million player option for 2021-22. Beyond next season, his future earnings will depend on if he can maintain his All-Star pace: - Continued success could earn a **max contract** – up to 25% of the salary cap - Consensus top-30 player would command **4 years, $140+ million** - Decline or plateau would lower value to **$25-30 million** per year Based on his steady improvement year-to-year, the arrow points upward for Randle‘s production over the next 5 seasons. While the Knicks will have cap flexibility in 2022, they‘d be wise to lock up their homegrown star long-term, even if it requires a max or near-max investment. ## Why Randle is Worth an Early Round Pick in Fantasy Basketball In both real life and fantasy, Randle‘s price is trending up. Here‘s why he‘s worth drafting early: - Top-30 overall fantasy asset and clear first option on Knicks - Averaging 34.4 fantasy points per game (FPG) this season - Contributes in every category – points, rebounds, assists, threes - 71% from free throw line – strong for a big man - Durable – only missed 13 games past four seasons According to FantasyPros, Randle‘s currently being drafted 13th among power forwards with an ADP of 44. While players like John Collins and Zion Williamson have more perceived upside, opt for Randle‘s safe, early-round production. ## The Bottom Line on Julius Randle‘s Current Salary While the Knicks raised eyebrows around the league by handing Julius Randle a 3-year, $63 million deal in 2019, Randle‘s development into an All-Star and franchise cornerstone has made his $18.9 million salary a clear bargain. At just 26 years old, Randle is hitting his prime and outproducing many maximum-salaried players. His contract gives New York both cost and roster flexibility during their ongoing rebuild. With Randle leading the turnaround, the Knicks are poised to be perennial playoff contenders and desirable free agent destination once again. Investing in Randle was step one towards restoring that winning culture. As Randle continues flexing his multi-dimensional skill set as a focal point in New York, his salary figures to keep rising in lockstep with his on-court impact. But for now, the Knicks and their fans are enjoying the benefits of one of the league‘s most team-friendly contracts. --- Source: [What is Julius Randle‘s Salary? A Deep Dive into the Knicks Star‘s Lucrative NBA Contract](https://33rdsquare.com/what-is-julius-randle-salary/)