Knicks’ Julius Randle to undergo season-ending surgery, dealing a devastating blow

New York Knicks All-Star Julius Randle will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery after being unable to avoid the option following a dislocation on Jan. 27. Despite his efforts to return without surgery, Randle will now be reevaluated in five months, the Knicks announced before their game against the Kings.

Randle had been waiting for medical clearance to resume contact after resuming workouts last month, but the clearance never came. The power forward expressed his desire to return before the season ends, but also acknowledged the possibility of surgery on his non-shooting shoulder.

In addition to Randle, OG Anunoby has been mostly sidelined since Jan. 27 with a right elbow injury that required surgery. The two-way wing returned for three games in mid-March but was set to miss his ninth consecutive game against Sacramento.

The Knicks, who are currently in the No. 5 playoff position in the Eastern Conference, have been 15-14 in 29 games without Randle. The 29-year-old has one guaranteed year remaining on his contract worth $27.6 million for next season, with a player option worth $29.5 million for 2025-26.

Mitchell Robinson (ankle) and Josh Hart (wrist) are listed as questionable for the Knicks, who are preparing to move forward with the team they have as they navigate the remainder of the season without key players.