Julius Randle, Timberwolves Agree To Three-Year Contract

Julius Randle is staying with the Timberwolves on a new long-term deal.

That’s because Minnesota and Randle have agreed to terms on a three-year, $100 million contract that will replace his $29.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The deal includes a player option for the third year, which would cover the 2027-28 season.

Randle, 30, arrived in Minnesota just before training camp last fall as part of the blockbuster trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks. It took time for him to find his footing with the Timberwolves, but he eventually settled in as a key contributor on both ends.

In 69 games, Randle averaged 18.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.7 assists, shooting 48.5 percent from the field, 34.4 percent from three and 80.6 percent from the line. The Timberwolves were 44-25 when he played, compared to 5-8 in the games he missed.

This is the second major contract agreement for Minnesota’s frontcourt in the past week. The team also locked up Naz Reid on a five-year, $125 million deal. The two contracts push the Wolves’ projected payroll near the second luxury tax apron for the 2025-26 season.

Barring a trade or salary-shedding move elsewhere on the roster, the financial squeeze likely means free agent guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker will be headed elsewhere. He is expected to draw offers at or above the $14.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception.

It’s unclear whether Randle’s deal will be finalized as a June extension or a July free agent signing. If it’s completed in June, he would remain eligible to be traded this offseason. If not, he cannot be dealt until Dec. 15.