Knicks All-Star power forward Julius Randle won’t be testing the 2022 free agency.
A source confirmed he’s agreeing to a four-year, $117 million extension. Randle said earlier this season he wanted to retire as a Knick.
According to a source close to Randle, the Knicks power forward loves the passion of the Knicks fans. Randle wanted to sign early to give the club as much flexibility as possible next summer and not convolute the matter.
Randle could’ve possibly made more on the open market and gained a maximum contract if he duplicated this past season when he played 71 of 72 games and led the Knicks to their first playoff berth in eight years.
He earned the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award but flopped in the playoffs against Atlanta. A source recently told The Post he was seriously debating whether to take the unrestricted route or sign on.
Perhaps the Knicks’ signings of Kemba Walker — even if he’s aging and injury-marred — and Evan Fournier swayed him. The two players will make it easier for Randle on the offensive end after Atlanta bottled him up in the playoffs.
Randle averaged 24 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in the regular season. He still must prove he can recruit a superstar player to the roster next offseason.