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Julius Randle’s $100 million extension pushes Timberwolves close to the edge, Anthony Edwards concerns raised
Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Julius Randle reportedly plans to sign a three-year, $100 million extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The deal includes a player option for the 2027-28 season.

The 30-year-old forward made significant contributions after arriving from the New York Knicks in the Karl-Anthony Towns blockbuster trade.

Julius Randle averaged 18.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game during the regular season. His impact helped Minnesota reach the Western Conference Finals before falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The extension also represents the Timberwolves’ second major move this week following Naz Reid’s five-year contract.

Randle extension pushes Timberwolves dangerously close to luxury tax

The combined contracts will bring Minnesota’s payroll near the second tax apron for the 2025-26 season.

This financial pressure will likely force the Timberwolves to lose another free agent Nickeil Alexander-Walker to avoid luxury tax penalties.

The salary cap implications have created mixed reactions throughout the NBA community. Timberwolves fans remain particularly divided on the extension’s long-term value.

Some supporters believe Minnesota made the right decision by securing Randle’s services. They view him as both a core contributor and potential trade asset if needed.

“Julius proving his playoff upside sealed the deal,” one fan wrote, highlighting his postseason performance.

Randle’s playoff surge convinced Minnesota to commit long-term

Many fans pointed to Randle’s playoff excellence as justification for the hefty contract. He averaged 21.7 points per game on 50.2% shooting during the postseason run.

“The fit doesn’t need to be perfect right now, it’s good enough to be one of the best teams in the NBA,” another supporter wrote.

Charlie Walton, who covers Minnesota, praised Randle’s offensive impact. “He unlocked the offense, was a reliable isolation scorer, and proved to be a really good Ant partner,” Walton explained.

Randle’s chemistry with Anthony Edwards emerged as a key factor in the extension decision. Their partnership provided Minnesota with a reliable scoring duo during crucial playoff moments.

Critics question whether Edwards deserves better co-star

However, skeptics believe the Timberwolves and Edwards deserve a superior second option. They argue that Randle’s age and inconsistency make him an expensive gamble.

The financial concerns extend beyond Randle’s contract alone. Minnesota will pay Rudy Gobert over $40 million next season, creating an expensive frontcourt combination.

Critics worry about the long-term sustainability of paying two aging big men significant money. This situation could limit Minnesota’s flexibility to improve other roster areas.

The extension reflects Minnesota’s commitment to their current core while acknowledging the championship window’s urgency. Whether Randle justifies the investment remains the biggest question facing the franchise.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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