Julius Randle, New York Knicks. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Even before the opening tip of the New York Knicks’ final game of the 2020-2021 season – game 5 of the Eastern Conference 1st round matchup against the visiting Atlanta Hawks – the mindset of Knicks fans and media had shifted to the offseason and the looming decision their front office had to make regarding the future of Julius Randle.
Randle, who is eligible for an early extension and was garnering consideration for possible max money after a borderline MVP-caliber season, capped a career year by being named the NBA’s M.