July of 2019 marked a somber milestone for New York Knicks enthusiasts. The franchise believed it was on the cusp of landing NBA superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, but instead, both chose to join the Brooklyn Nets. The disappointment was palpable, especially as the Knicks' marquee signing ended up being Julius Randle, who came aboard on a three-year, $63 million deal.
The Knicks' struggles were not new. Since their last postseason appearance in 2013, the team had finished a combined 166 games under .500. The front office, led by Steve Mills and Scott Perry, had work to do to turn the franchise around. Their approach included signing several players to short-term, team-friendly deals. The likes of Bobby Portis, Elfrid Payton, Taj Gibson, Marcus Morris, Alec Burks, Derrick Rose, and Nerlens Noel joined the team in an effort to build around a new core.
Julius Randle emerged as the pivotal addition. Over his first three years with the team, Randle averaged 23 points and 10 rebounds per game. His durability was commendable, playing an impressive 220 out of 246 games during that period. Randle's consistency and performance earned him two All-NBA team selections and three All-Star appearances. His contributions were critical in leading the Knicks to three playoff appearances during his tenure.
Looking at Randle's impact, one might argue that he exceeded expectations. His robust performance and significant playing time — averaging 36 minutes per game from 2020 to 2023, including over 40 minutes in 43 of those outings — cemented his status as a cornerstone of the team. However, the narrative took a surprising turn when the front office decided to trade Randle along with Donte DiVincenzo to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Karl-Anthony Towns. This move signaled another shift in the Knicks' strategy, aiming to recalibrate their roster to stay competitive in a continuously evolving NBA landscape.
The Knicks didn't stop there. In December, they traded for OG Anunoby, adding a defensive stalwart to their ranks. Over the summer, they secured Mikal Bridges, further solidifying their roster with high-caliber talent. These strategic moves reflect the front office's commitment to creating a competitive squad, potentially setting the stage for a more robust playoff presence in the coming seasons.
Reflecting on the journey, it’s important to remember the franchise’s ups and downs. A key indicator of the Knicks' changing fortunes came when Kevin Durant remarked, "The Knicks were no longer 'cool'," a stinging sentiment reflecting the franchise's struggles to attract top-tier talent despite their storied history.
Yet, the legacy of their past efforts sometimes shines through, as evidenced by the story of David Lee. In 2010, Lee signed an $80 million sign-and-trade deal with the Golden State Warriors, where he eventually earned an NBA championship ring in 2015. Such narratives underscore the volatile nature of team-building and the serendipitous successes that can follow years of strategic planning and rebuilding.
As the pendulum of success swings, the current configuration of the Knicks hints at a promising future. The acquisitions of Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges suggest a franchise that is determined to learn from its past and build a sustainable trajectory toward success. For Knicks fans bruised by the disappointments of 2019, the latest maneuvers may yet rekindle hopes for a return to the glory days.