New York Knicks injured forward Julius Randle. Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Julius Randle is already thinking long-term with Timberwolves

By Adam Taylor | Last updated Oct 3, 2024 2:57 PM ET

Julius Randle is undoubtedly getting used to his new surroundings after being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of the Karl-Anthony Towns trade.

The All-Star forward has spent the past five years in New York, helping Tom Thibodeau construct a roster capable of contending for an NBA championship. Now, he finds himself as a ready-made contender playing under Chris Finch.

Randle has two years remaining on his current four-year, $112 million contract. However, he has a player option for the 2025-26 season, meaning he is a potential free agent heading into next summer. Yet, despite only being around his new teammates for a couple of days, it would seem that he's already considering re-signing with the Timberwolves long-term.

"Just being around here and being around the environment," Randle said when asked about wanting to sign an extension. "...They've made me feel more than at home being here. Super comfortable. The energy is up, just being in the building, the energy is up and the guys all seem like they get along...You want to be somewhere where you feel wanted. I feel wanted here and everybody has embraced me. Tim has been great. I played for Finch. I really believe in Finch. Ultimately, yeah, I do want to be here.”

Julius Randle on possibly signing a long-term deal with the Timberwolves: “You want to be somewhere where you feel wanted. I feel wanted here and everybody has embraced me. Tim has been great. I played for Finch. I really believe in Finch. Ultimately, yeah, I do want to be here.” pic.twitter.com/XKh7t7PYsV
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) October 3, 2024

While it makes sense for Randle to consider his future beyond the upcoming season, it's likely too early for the Timberwolves. There needs to be proof that Randle can help elevate the roster or provide the scoring and defensive punch the team needs to continue contending at the top of the Western Conference. His injury issues from recent seasons will likely be an additional concern.

On paper, Randle's fit with the Timberwolves is questionable. He's an underwhelming three-point shooter, converting just 31.1% of his 5.3 attempts per game last season and shooting marginally better for his career at 33.3%. Instead, most of his offense comes from the mid-range, with that area of the court accounting for 39% of his entire offense last season.

Given the presence of Rudy Gobert and Anthony Edwards on the Timberwolves roster, Randle may need to hyperfocus on improving his perimeter game. Chris Finch will demand ample spacing for Edwards to control games and Gobert to be a threat out of the dunker spot.

Still, Randle will have an entire season to figure out his role and prove his worth to the Timberwolves. If he can gel with his new teammates and continue to produce at an All-Star level, a longer tenure with the franchise could make sense. If not, he could find himself opting into his player option or searching for another new home next summer.

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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