Randle: Trade demand speculation 'not true at all'
New York Knicks star Julius Randle has shot down rumors that he requested a trade amid a season of setbacks for the one-time All-Star.
"Yeah, that’s not true, bro," he said, according to The Athletic's Fred Katz. "That’s just not true. Simple as that. It’s not true at all."
Randle was met with mixed reactions during the starting lineup introductions against the Charlotte Hornets Wednesday as boos were heard in parts of Madison Square Garden.
The 27-year-old has lost some of his touch since being named an All-Star, Most Improved Player, and All-NBA Second Team last season, averaging 20 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists per game this campaign.
With the Knicks' latest 125-114 loss to the Hornets, one more defeat or another win from the 10th-seeded Atlanta Hawks will leave New York on the outside looking in of the playoffs after qualifying a year ago.
Randle has also received multiple fines this season. His latest penalty came earlier in March when the league fined him $40,000 for yelling at a referee after a loss to the Utah Jazz. The NBA also fined Randle $50,000 after an altercation with Phoenix Suns wing Cameron Johnson, $25,000 in January for using profane language during media availabilities, and $15,000 in October for kicking a basketball into the stands.
Randle reiterated his commitment to the city, saying, "I’m a Knick. That’s what I love. I love being a Knick."