That Nix concerned Julius Randle“general psyche” following a series of season-long incidents, including an untimely ejection Friday night, a source tells The New York Post’s Mark Berman.
Randle had 25 points, seven rebounds and four assists in 28 minutes when he was thrown out of the game with 2:40 left in the third quarter due to an altercation with the Suns. Cameron Johnson. Both players received technical fouls, and Randle received a second technical foul for contacting the referee, who was trying to separate them. The Knicks were in the lead at the time, but ended up losing when Johnson hit a three-pointer on the siren to give New York their 17th loss in their last 20 games.
Trainer Tom Thibodeau subsequently admitted that Randle had done wrong, saying, “You can’t cross that line. You have to know where to stay.”
The ejection was Randle’s latest incident of the season, Berman notes, a list that includes a “thumbs down” gesture to fans at Madison Square Garden and repeated battles with referees and assistant coaches.
A source tells Berman that Randle did not show up to training camp in top physical condition, as he did last season when he was named Most Improved Player and was selected to the NBA Second Team.
There are also theories that he is jealous R. J. Barrett, who surpassed him as the team’s top star. Berman notes that Randle has missed player introductions in the last six away games, although he still competes at home.
Asked Friday if Randle’s well-being worries him, Thibodeau replied: “Everything worries me.”
Randle’s behavior is potentially a long-term issue for the franchise, given that he received a $117 million four-year extension in the off-season, including a player pick in 2025-26. If the Knicks decide to try and trade him this summer, they will likely have to pick up at least one bad contract in return.