Julius Randle, Wolves Reportedly Expected to Discuss New Contract After NBA Playoffs
The Minnesota Timberwolves and Julius Randle reportedly plan to discuss a new contract but only after their championship pursuit in the ongoing NBA playoffs ends.
Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic reported Monday that "Randle loves the fit in Minnesota" and "there is a desire to make this a more permanent residence." While the forward has a $31 million player option for the 2025-26 campaign, Krawczynski noted exercising it "seems far less likely now that he is playing so well."
That could set the stage for a long-term deal since "both Randle and the Timberwolves are fully focused on the playoffs right now, but it is expected that they will talk after the season to see if there is a longer-term contract that works for both sides."
Randle first came to Minnesota in September as part of the headline trade that resulted in Karl-Anthony Towns going to the New York Knicks. The Timberwolves got Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and a first-round draft pick via the Detroit Pistons in return for the star big man, and both they and the Knicks are still battling for a championship in the second round.
New York leads the reigning-champion Boston Celtics 2-1 with an opportunity to extend the lead to 3-1 on Monday, while Minnesota leads the Golden State Warriors 2-1 with the same chance.
Randle's presence is one reason the Timberwolves have enjoyed so much playoff success to this point.
He averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists while shooting 48.1 percent from the field and 39.3 percent from deep in the five-game victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round. He scored 22 or more points in each of the last four games and provided important secondary scoring when Anthony Edwards struggled with his outside shot.
It has been more of the same against the Warriors.
Randle posted a double-double of 24 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds in the Game 2 win and then followed up with a triple-double of 24 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds in the Game 3 win. While his scoring and rebounding have never been a question, his ability to facilitate against smaller Golden State lineups has opened up the offense even more.
This type of playoff production as a second option alongside Edwards was surely exactly what the Timberwolves envisioned when they traded for the University of Kentucky product.
While it may be driving up the price of an eventual deal, they are reportedly interested in making sure he is more than just a one-season addition.
