Dallas Mavericks Receive: C Julius Randle
New York Knicks Receive: C James Johnson, F Dorian Finney-Smith, DAL 2022 1st Round Pick
Early on this season, Julius Randle has single-handedly given the New York Knicks hope this season and while R.J. Barrett is the future of their organization, Randle is the now and is earning every bit of his $18.9M contract this season. In 8 games so far, the 26-year old big man is averaging 23.1 points, 12.0 rebounds, 7.4 assists and is shooting 48.5% from the floor.
Randle looks like a completely different player than he has early in his career and is definitely the type of player the Mavs need. Dallas ranks near the bottom of the NBA in rebounding this season, and they are a middle-of-the-pack offensive team. Given his playmaking abilities on the offensive end of the court, Randle could really improve the Mavericks total offense and make all the other role players on this roster a little bit better.
Luka Doncic is an incredible player and a very gifted passer, but all the weight seems to fall on him at times to either score or make a play for his teammates. Having that extra guy in Randle can really make a difference in Doncic’s game as well, as Randle being another passer would allow Luka to focus more on scoring.
This season for the Mavericks, both Finney-Smith and Johnson have been reliable role players, but each in their own ways. Dorian Finney-Smith has started in every game he has played in this season and he is continuing to grow as an all-around talent. His scoring, rebounding, and shooting have improved every season he has been in the NBA and he could be an interesting player for the Knicks to utilize for years to come on the wing.
James Johnson on the other hand is on an expiring contract but could be of use to the Knicks this season. Over the course of his 11-years in the NBA prior to this season, Johnson has averaged 7.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and shot 47.6% from the floor.
New York does not get a flashy return for trading Julius Randle in this trade scenario, but they get future cap space and a valuable first-round pick in next year’s draft, which can be utilized by New York to continue building a young core.
With all of this being said, let’s take a closer look as to why this trade makes sense for both the Dallas Mavericks and the New York Knicks.
