A recent mock trade suggests that the New York Knicks could emerge as major beneficiaries by trading All-Star Julius Randle. Greg Swartz from Bleacher Report proposed a deal where Randle would go to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, Jaden Hardy, and two future second-round picks. Highlighting the trade’s advantages for the Knicks, Swartz stated (via Jeremy Brener of New York Knicks on SI):

“The Knicks need another center with Hartenstein gone, a role Gafford (11.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, 72.5 percent shooting) can serve as either a starter or reserve. Washington (12.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.0 steals, 0.8 blocks) is a solid rotation forward, and Hardy, 22, packs some scoring punch and potential off the bench.”

Gafford would address the Knicks’ need at center, being the league’s most efficient player last season with a 72.5 percent field goal percentage on 6.5 shot attempts per game. In addition to his scoring efficiency, the 25-year-old added 2.2 blocks per game, making him a perfect fit for Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau’s system. His pick-and-roll prowess would complement All-Star Jalen Brunson’s game. Gafford also nearly broke Wilt Chamberlain’s 57-year-old record of 35 consecutive field goals made, falling just two short.

Washington would provide the Knicks with a power forward similar in style to Randle. Last season, the Kentucky native averaged 1.8 threes per game for the Charlotte Hornets and Mavericks, hitting 37 percent of his above-the-break three-point attempts. He also has untapped potential that could be realized in New York.

Hardy, a promising combo guard, has shown flashes of brilliance when given the chance. In his rookie season in 2022-23, he averaged 8.8 points in just 14.8 minutes per game. As a starter in five games, his averages soared to 21.2 points, five rebounds, and 3.2 assists. Known for his scoring ability off the bench, Hardy could be an ideal backup for Brunson. The addition of two second-round picks further sweetens the deal for the Knicks, making it an appealing package for Randle. This trade would also allow Mikal Bridges to take on a larger role and could see OG Anunoby thrive with more offensive touches.

However, the question remains whether the Mavericks would want to pair the ball-dominant Randle with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. If Dallas’s offense can accommodate three 25 PPG scorers, Randle could compete for a championship in a No. 3 role, which might suit him well. Meanwhile, the Knicks will likely continue to be the subject of trade rumors and mock deals as the NBA world awaits their decision on Randle.