Could the New York Knicks signing Julius Randle become the steal of free agency?

The New York Knicks first big move this summer was not adding Kevin Durant, but Julius Randle, who signed a three-year, $63 million at the start of free agency. He met with the Knicks in Los Angeles near the start of free agency, targeting him when Kevin Durant chose the other New York team.

The Kentucky product could provide immediate pay-off, as the Knicks signed him at a reasonable price.

In 2018-19, Randle averaged 21.4 points 8.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists. He also took a big step forward shooting 34.4 percent from the three-point line, attempting 195 shots from behind the arc, which is more than his first four years combined.

Of all players that averaged at least 20 points last year, Randle was seventh in true shooting percentage at .600. He is ahead of players like Anthony Davis and Joel Embiid and on par with NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard. That is impressive because he played for a crumbling team and would see double teams on a consistent basis.

The Pelicans were better with Randle than without him, averaging 3.0 points more per 100 possessions. Those numbers are always good indicators that the player’s stats are not just empty numbers and they are actually impacting the game’s outcome.

While Randle was always a gifted scorer, his issues were always with being efficient, and he showed that improvement last year. He also lacked a perimeter game, but checked that off with, as well.

All that is left for the 24 year old is to improve his defense, and playing next to Mitchell Robinson should improve that area or at least protect him.

Also, it could become a similar situation to the Nets when they acquired D’Angelo Russell, another ex-Laker that helped Brooklyn be in the position they are in today. So could Randle help attract future stars to the Knicks?

Randle may not be the glamour or glitzy signing that Knick fans expect but its the right one. The contract may seem a lot but with Randle’s age and the trajectory he is on, the Knicks are paying him at a below-market value based on his prime being still ahead of him.

The New York Knicks are also receiving a bargain for what Randle could become as the potential steal of free agency. Rarely do players averaging over 20 points not get a max deal, so this can become a sneaky-good signing this offseason.