Three-Time All-Star Signs Re-Signs with the T-Wolves
Julius Randle is coming off one of his least productive regular seasons in the past seven years. His scoring and rebounding numbers were both down compared to his previous six campaigns, raising questions about his long-term trajectory. However, despite the statistical dip, Randle remained a valuable contributor and adjusted well to his new role with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He proved his worth in the playoffs, where he averaged 21.7 points per game while shooting an efficient 50% from the field. After the season, Randle declined his $29,462,400 player option, signaling that he was ready to explore his value in free agency. His strong postseason performance boosted his stock and reminded teams of his ability to shine on the big stage. Now, after weighing his options, Julius Randle has decided to re-sign with the Timberwolves on a three-year $100 million deal.
The 2020–2021 NBA Most Improved Player began his career as the seventh overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, selected by the Los Angeles Lakers. Unfortunately, his rookie season ended abruptly after he suffered a broken right tibia in the very first game. Over the next three years, Randle developed into a solid rotational player, showing flashes of his potential. In 2018, he signed a two-year deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, where he would finally take a major leap forward. During his lone full season in New Orleans, Randle averaged 21 points per game on an impressive 52% shooting from the field. He showcased his scoring versatility and physicality in the paint, proving he could be a featured offensive weapon. That performance caught the attention of the league, and Randle opted out of the second year of his deal to pursue a bigger opportunity. He ultimately signed a three-year, $63 million contract with the New York Knicks in the summer of 2019.
Randle’s time in New York marked the high point of his career. In the 2020–2021 season, he earned his first all-star nod, won the NBA’s Most Improved Player award, and was named to the All-NBA Second Team. As a result of his breakout campaign, the Knicks rewarded him with a four-year, $117 million contract extension that included a player option for the 2025–2026 season. He became the centerpiece of a Knicks team looking to build long-term success around a versatile, scoring forward.
In the 2023–2024 season, Randle made his third all-star appearance and was later traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a blockbuster deal. The trade sent Karl-Anthony Towns to New York, signaling a major shift in direction for both franchises. Randle quickly found his footing in Minnesota and played a key role in helping the team reach the Western Conference Finals. Despite the strong run, the Timberwolves were eliminated in five games by the surging and eventual champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
As he enters his 12th NBA season, Julius Randle holds career averages of 19 points and nine rebounds per game. Standing at six-foot-nine, the veteran power forward still has plenty left to offer and remains a consistent scoring presence. Randle will be expected to provide leadership and production at a high level with the Timberwolves. There's not much more Randle wants to accomplish, but acquiring a championship ring.
