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NBA Free Agency 2018: 5 offseason targets for the New York Knicks

By Ian Levy

DALLAS, TX - SEPTEMBER 25: Noel Nerlens #3 of the Dallas Mavericks poses for a portrait during the Dallas Mavericks Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - SEPTEMBER 25: Noel Nerlens #3 of the Dallas Mavericks poses for a portrait during the Dallas Mavericks Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 11: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers on the bench in the second half at Staples Center on April 11, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Julius Randle
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 11: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers on the bench in the second half at Staples Center on April 11, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Julius Randle /

1. Julius Randle

This one only works if the Knicks are able to shed Noah and Kanter, and then only if they are willing to swallow some of their future flexibility for the 2019 summer. Randle is a restricted free agent and although he and the Lakers seem mutually agreed on parting ways, they may not let him walk without matching a reasonable offer and trying to flip him later.

But assuming those issues could be worked out, Randle could be a fantastic addition the Knicks. Admittedly his defense can be shaky and he doesn’t have much stretch to his game from the 4 position but Randle is still a versatile frontcourt player who can fill a lot of holes.

Randle is a very good rebounder at both ends of the floor and would slot in nicely next to Porzingis on the defensive end, taking more mobile frontcourt players and helping clean the glass as Porzingis protects the rim. On offense, Randle’s passing and mobility would work great on the inside when Porzingis is on the perimeter and also work as an offensive fulcrum with the second unit.

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Randle has plenty of upside to his game and seems like the kind of player who would welcome the bright lights of New York. Actually getting it done would be a challenge but he could be just what the Knicks need, especially if they go small with their pick, landing someone like Trae Young or Collin Sexton.

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