Knicks' Randle Misses $1.28M Bonus, but Cap Relief Offers Silver Lining

The New York Knicks are gearing up to face the Philadelphia 76ers, but they’ll be without their star player Julius Randle for the 18th straight game due to a shoulder injury. While Randle’s absence is undoubtedly a blow to the team’s chances, there’s a silver lining for the Knicks’ front office.

According to reports, Randle was set to earn a $1.28 million bonus if he played 65 games this season and led the Knicks to the playoffs. However, with his prolonged absence, that incentive is now off the table. While it’s a significant financial hit for Randle, the Knicks will benefit from a cap relief as a result.

Randle’s current contract, a four-year deal that runs through the 2025 season, includes several incentives tied to his performance and the team’s success. These bonuses are calculated as a percentage of his base salary, with the 65-game and playoff incentive worth 5% of his $30.3 million salary for the 2023-24 season.

With Randle unlikely to meet the 65-game threshold, his cap hit for the 2024-25 season will be reduced from $30.3 million to $28.9 million. This adjustment provides the Knicks with a tax variance equal to the value of the missed bonus, which can be applied to the team’s overall salary cap figure.

While the financial relief is a positive for the Knicks’ front office, the team’s priority remains getting Randle back on the court and competing for a playoff spot. The 28-year-old forward had been showing signs of progress in his recovery, rejoining the team for their road trip in early March and being cleared for light contact.

However, the Knicks have been cautious with Randle’s return, aiming to ensure he’s fully healthy before risking further aggravation of the shoulder injury. With the playoffs rapidly approaching, the team will be eager to have their leading scorer and rebounder back in the lineup as they push for a postseason berth.

In the meantime, the Knicks will continue to lean on the likes of Jalen Brunson, who recently returned from his own injury, and newcomer OG Anunoby, who is expected to make his debut in the coming days. While the road ahead is challenging, the potential cap relief provided by Randle’s missed bonus could prove beneficial as the team looks to build a strong roster for the 2024-25 campaign.