The New York Knicks are facing crucial decisions this offseason as they possess the assets to acquire a superstar-level talent.
Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report suggested the Knicks could be a “surprise” landing spot for LeBron James, but it would necessitate parting ways with Julius Randle due to salary cap limitations.
Bleacher Reports names the Knicks as a “surprise landing spot” for LeBron James this summer.
“The Knicks could build a package around Julius Randle, Bojan Bogdanovi? and Miles McBride to get them close to James’ salary, giving the Lakers a balance of young and veteran talent back in return. They also have two first-round picks in this year’s draft, as many as four in next year’s draft and all of their own first-rounders moving forward, which they could use to sweeten their offer.”
Swartz outlined a scenario where the Knicks would need James to opt into his $51.4 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers and then orchestrate a trade to New York.
The proposed trade package includes Randle, Bojan Bogdanovi?, and Miles McBride to match James’ salary.
Additionally, the Knicks could sweeten the deal by offering two first-round picks from this year’s draft and potentially up to four picks from next year’s draft, along with all their future first-round selections.
James currently holds a player option with the Lakers worth $51.4 million for the upcoming offseason.
His agent, Rich Paul, recently referred to James as a “free agent” when discussing the Lakers’ coaching search, hinting at potential leverage for James in dictating the team’s direction.
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If the Knicks pursue James, it’s likely to involve an opt-in-and-trade scenario unless James agrees to a significant pay cut.
Paul’s statement may serve as a strategic move to influence the Lakers’ front office decisions. However, uncertainty surrounds James’ future in Los Angeles given the pending player option.
