Knicks, Julius Randle on the clock for tricky contract extension decision

The clock on the Knicks’ most complicated extension eligibility starts this weekend. 

Julius Randle, the original All-Star of the Tom Thibodeau era, can add as many as four years and $181.5 million to his current deal beginning Saturday. 

And while the Knicks have prioritized locking up their core virtually everywhere else, the Randle extension, fitting of his polarizing five seasons at MSG, is tricky. 

By virtue of his three All-Star nods and hefty production the last four seasons, Randle is deserving of big money.

He’s not on the highest level of forward stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Jayson Tatum, but Randle has established himself, through ups and downs, as a triple-threat 4 who can detonate halfcourt and transition defenses.

As a Knick, he’s averaging 22.6 points and 9.9 rebounds while winning Most Improved Player and becoming the franchise’s first player to make two All-NBA squads since Carmelo Anthony.