Randle for Barnes, Lyles, and Davis.
They would all be playing for a next contract.
Mitch IHeart Sims
Toppin Barnes Lyles
RJ Reddish Fournier
Grimes IQ Davis
Brunson Rose McBride
It unclogs everything by replacing Randle with two forwards who produce from the wing spot and another body to throw at physical wings in Davis. Lyles is not much but could be a plug in emergencies.
Barnes is not in the caliber of Randle, but his style is still effective, good for our team, and he is someone Obi can gain from emulating in his development. Barnes would return some of the level headed leadership lost in Taj leaving while being potentially more effective on the floor.
Barnes turns 31 at the end of the season, Lyles is 27, and Davis is 25.
This makes sense if you believe that Obi getting 15 and 7 over 30 minutes is more conducive to the Knicks winning than Randle getting 20 and 10 over 35.
Toppin and Barnes do not slow the game down until they are ready to make their move. They move the game along and they try to keep up with their defensive responsibilities, good qualities in power forwards.
It would put the offensive leadership onus squarely in the backcourt which is the place on this team where I trust it.