The Julius Randle trade is working out for everyone.
After the New York Knicks shockingly shipped Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Karl-Anthony Towns last fall, there were questions about how New York would survive without its former All-NBA selection (second-team in 2021, third-team in 2023).
Towns was brilliant alongside Jalen Brunson and helped the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000. Randle, meanwhile, dealt with injuries but was still a key contributor as the Timberwolves reached the Western Conference Finals.
Now, Randle is cashing in with his new franchise. Here is the latest, via Shams Charania of ESPN:
BREAKING: Three-time NBA All-Star Julius Randle intends to sign a new three-year, $100 million deal to stay with the Minnesota Timberwolves, sources tell ESPN. The deal includes a player option for the 2027-28 season. pic.twitter.com/j8fKA45gXu
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2025
Randle was limited to 69 games in 2024-25 with a strained adductor, but was his usual, productive self when on the court. The 30-year-old averaged 18.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and nearly one stock per game on 48.5% shooting from the field, 34.4% from three, and 80.6% from the line.
While he is a talented player and perennially in the All-Star conversation, he was not a perfect fit on this New York team. Randle would far too often play outside of his abilities and try to serve as a point-forward who takes the ball up the floor.
When he is attacking the hoop and rolling downhill, he is a tough cover for any defender. But, there was too much ball handling and not enough spacing with the Knicks.
New York fans should remember Randle fondly as he played a large role in dragging them out of the depths of irrelevancy and into a legitimate playoff team. Now, he will try to do what he was never able to accomplish with the Knicks: win a championship.