New York Knicks star forward Julius Randle has decided to undergo shoulder injury that will sideline him for the rest of the regular season, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Randle, a 2024 NBA All-Star selection, tried rehabilitating his injured shoulder for two months in an attempt to make a return for the playoffs. However, doctors warned him of further injury and possible permanent damage to his shoulder if he returned to play before a surgical procedure.

According to Wojnarowski, Randle's surgery is expected to allow for a full recovery and return around the start of the 2024-25 season. Undergoing the surgery soon gives him the recovery time necessary to target that timeline, and the Knicks would have Randle reevaluated in September.

This blows a huge hole in New York’s playoff expectations this season which has shown flashes of possibly a deep run after acquiring forward OG Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors. The Knicks are 12-2 in games where both Randle and Anunoby play and had one of the best defenses in the league. They are currently 5th in the Eastern Conference at 44-31 with just a game back of third place Cleveland.

Resigning Anunoby this season along with Randle’s expected recovery next season would make the Knicks one of the East’s favorite contenders.

Randle, 29, has averaged 24 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5 assists in 46 games this season.