On Friday night, the New York Knicks quietly finalized a contract that guarantees backup center Jericho Sims a $2.09 million salary for the 2024-25 season, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Sims, 25, is entering his fourth NBA season and could see a larger role this year. With Isaiah Hartenstein now with the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Knicks are looking for ways to fill his role, which has proven challenging.
Earlier this offseason, the Knicks re-signed Precious Achiuwa to a one-year, $6 million deal, positioning him as a potential backup center behind Mitchell Robinson. However, Achiuwa’s 6’8” height might lead the team to give more minutes to Sims for his greater height and athleticism. Additionally, SNY’s Ian Begley suggested that Julius Randle could also play significant minutes as a backup center.
Sims brings experience as a starter alongside Jalen Brunson, and while he won’t start for the Knicks this season, he could still play a substantial role with several starters. In his first three seasons, Sims has made 32 starts, averaging 4.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. While his lack of floor-spacing presents a challenge, he has shown the ability to effectively guard smaller, quicker players defensively.
In other Knicks news, Jalen Brunson recently signed a four-year, $156 million extension, taking a substantial $113 million discount to help the team strengthen its roster. With additions like Mikal Bridges and a possible extension for OG Anunoby, the Knicks are working to build a championship-caliber team. However, a key decision looms regarding Julius Randle, who faces a situation similar to Brunson’s.
Randle is recovering from shoulder surgery and missed the postseason, making his presence crucial, especially with the team’s current lack of depth at center. He is slated to earn $28.9 million against the salary cap this season and has a player option for $30.9 million in 2025-26.
If the Knicks decide to extend Randle now, they won’t be able to trade him before the 2025 deadline. Given his high contract expectations, if he opts out after this season, the Knicks might need to offer him $40+ million annually.
There are trade possibilities if the Knicks can’t agree on an extension, as they might struggle with the anticipated price increase. According to Ian Begley of SNY, the Knicks and Randle’s representatives have not yet approached discussions for a long-term deal beyond this season. This may be due to the Knicks wanting to explore other long-term options, despite Randle’s significant impact over the past few seasons, including three All-Star appearances in the last four years before his recent injury. Last season, he played 46 games, averaging 24 points, 9.2 rebounds, and five assists, with a shooting percentage of .472.
The Knicks faced challenges replacing Randle’s production and struggled towards the end of the season. They did receive notable contributions from Anunoby, though his playoff run was cut short by a hamstring injury. Randle is enthusiastic about the team’s prospects, but his future with the Knicks will depend on whether he opts for a long-term, high-value contract or provides a Brunson-like discount to support the team’s championship goals.
