As the trade deadline approaches and the New York Knicks continue to struggle, Julius Randle, a player who was considered untouchable last season, is struggling to replicate the form that saw him become an All-Star for the first time in 2020-21.

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The Knicks lost another game on Friday night, this time to the Milwaukee Bucks 123-108.

This was the third straight loss for the Knicks, and the sixth in their last seven games, but it seems the franchise’s game was Randle’s biggest concern, as he finished with just nine points (4-for-9 from the field). , 11 rebounds and three assists.

In fact, Randle’s struggles this season have been so consistent that he’s had more single-digit scoring games than 30-point games.

Last season, I only had one game where he did not score more than ten points. Randle’s numbers this season are down across the board compared to his Most Improved Player award-winning season in 2020-21.

He is averaging 18.5 points (down from 24.1 last season) on 41.3 percent shooting (45.6 percent last season), and his 3-point percentage has also dropped significantly to 30. .6 percent from a career-high 41.1 percent last season.

Randle’s poor on-court play has turned into unnecessary off-court drama (what else is new with the Knicks, though?). He has had run-ins with the media and even with MSG fans.

MORE: Randle booed by Knicks fans after 2-point game

He was fined $25,000 for using profanity in a media interview while describing his thumbs-down sign to his local audience earlier this month.

“Shut your mouth,” he said, responding to MSG fans who had been booed early in the game with the Knicks trailing by double figures.

Randle’s career season last year saw the Knicks reward the 27-year-old All-Star for the first time with a four-year extension worth $117 million, but now, with the trade deadline fast approaching , Randle could be one of the Knicks players. will seek to move.

For his part, however, Randle says he still wants to remain a Knick.

“I wouldn’t change it. I still want to be a part of it,” he said while speaking to reporters after Friday’s shootaround in Milwaukee. “I still want to end this. I still want to be a part of helping try to bring the Knicks a championship.

Last season, the Knicks won 16 of the last 20 games to make the playoffs, but even another run like that might not be enough to get them to the playoffs this season given how competitive the East is.