NBA Trade Rumors: Big Ju to Charlotte?

Julius Randle has been in trade rumors as of late and The Charlotte Hornets have been reported to be a team to watch. How would BIG JU THE ANNIHILATOR impact The Charlotte Hornets?

Julius Randle over the past few seasons has not only been one of the top PF’s in the league but also one of my favorite players to watch in the NBA. When Randle limits his outside shot attempts and focuses on playing in the high post and finishing inside he is an absolute offensive force. Julius Randle over the past two seasons has averaged 24.7 PPG & 9.7 RPG. Randle as an undersized 4 is a double-double machine, an highly underrated passer ranking in the 92nd percentile in AST% for forwards in the NBA.

There is a fair point to say trading for Randle doesn’t make such sense for the Hornets who do have two great young scorers in LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. To trade for another scorer who does need the ball could limit the development of the two offensively especially Miller. But I do think there is an argument to be made having more scorers on your team will allow better scoring opportunities for Miller and other young shooters on this team as Big Ju demands double teams night in and night out allowing for the Hornets to take high percentage shots and convert on cut opportunities.

Winning Impact

After playing Randle’s first season with the Knicks. Julius Randle broke out in his 2nd season with the New York Knicks he led a team with not Much talent around him to win +20 games than the Knicks did the year before. While claiming the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference with a 41-31 record during the Covid-19 season.

Knicks starting lineup during the Covid-19 season.

Why is this relevant? Because it shows Randle has proven himself to be able to lead a young rosters to success something the Hornets have lacked over the years for multiple reasons. There is a valid criticism for Randle’s performance against the Hawks shooting a horrid 29.8 FG%. But Randle over the past two seasons has been injured during the playoffs. Rather it be Randle playing through an injury that needed surgery or missing the playoffs due to a shoulder surgery. Randle would immediately be able to elevate the Hornets into clear playoff contention.

Is The Deal Likely to Happen?

Although it does make sense for the Knicks to want to move Julius Randle due to cap restraints the only way I see a team like New York making a move is if they underperform this season and even more important the only way I see the Hornets looking to make a move for another star this season is if the Hornets surprise the NBA and are in the playoff picture (5-9 seed) but just need one more piece to go to the next level. Think of it kind of like what we saw from the Indiana Pacers this season trading for Pascal Siakam. But don’t get it twisted for Charlotte to get a multiple time All-Star and All-NBA talent in the queen city would be huge for The Charlotte Hornets organization.

Creator: Mary Altaffer | Credit: AP

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