An NBA expert's shocking Randle prediction is almost too good to be true for the Knicks

It's been a great summer for the New York Knicks, who have drastically improved their roster but may not be quite done yet. All-Star Julius Randle is eligible for a contract extension that would keep him with the Knicks, but cost is the big question.

ESPN salary expert Bobby Marks suggested the Knicks should offer Randle a three-year, $100 million extension, as he believes that would be closer to his market value. That's controversial, as similar All-Star forwards like Pascal Siakam were able to command at least $42 million per season on a new contract. With Jalen Brunson taking less than his max for his extension with the Knicks and Mikal Bridges expected to do the same, Randall will likely face pressure to take less as well.

In fact, the Knicks may not be willing to pay that much, and other teams may also be wary of paying him that much, similar to Brandon Ingram on the New Orleans Pelicans. Still, getting $33 million per year may not be a realistic expectation for Randle for several reasons.

Although Brunson and Bridges will take less or be willing to take less, Randall may not be as willing. After all, he has struggled with injuries throughout his career, missing all but one game in his rookie season and 36 games last season. He's also a year and a half older and turns 30 next season, so if he signs now at below-market value, he likely wouldn't get the money back, as Marks suggests.

He would also likely be the first player from their core to be traded if the Knicks were to try to further improve their roster. That would mean he would get less to help New York, while also potentially making a name for himself as a trade item and even ending up on another team.

Marks suggests something that could work for both teams: Randle plays out next season and opts to play out the final year of his contract in 2025-26, his 30th-31st season. He could then sign a three- or even four-year extension. That would pay him more than he would otherwise get as a free agent at his age, but would still be affordable for the Knicks. Now that the Knicks finally look like a serious contender, they'll likely get creative to ensure they can keep Randle going forward.