Two days after agreeing to a new deal with Naz Reid, the Timberwolves did the same with fellow big man Julius Randle. Like Reid, Randle declined his player option, but instead of entering free agency agreed to a new deal with Minnesota.
Randle and the Wolves agreed to a three-year, $100 million deal that features a player option in the third year, a source confirmed. ESPN first reported the agreement.
Randle was acquired on the eve of training camp last fall in the deal that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to New York. In the end, by dealing Towns, Minnesota got Randle on a longer-term deal, Donte DiVincenzo, first-round draft pick Joan Beringer and the ability to re-sign Reid.
Randle was the biggest question mark for many in that trade. His fit in Minnesota and ability to be a No. 2 option on a legitimate championship contender were both unknowns. But Timberwolves coach Chris Finch had previously worked with Randle in New Orleans and was confident in his ability to get the most out of him.
Over the final quarter of the regular season, Randle was a clear boon for Minnesota. And his physical presence proved to be invaluable in the the Wolves’ two playoff series victories before they ran into eventual champion Oklahoma City in the West Finals.
Randle didn’t play well in that series, but few Wolves players did. The day after the decisive Game 5 loss, Randle noted he hadn’t thought much about the offseason to come but noted that he loved Minnesota. He and his family found a comfort in the state, and he planned to spend much of the offseason here.
“This is the most meaningful basketball that I’ve played in my career, and from how the organization has made me feel, from just my teammates and playing with (Anthony Edwards) as our leader, I love it,” Randle said. “There’s a lot to be excited about. I haven’t even really thought about it, but I will say having the ability to compete for a championship is everything that I ask for at this point in my career.”
Randle’s player option for the upcoming season was just south of $31 million. That’s right around what he’ll make next season. Players weren’t in a position off power in this year’s free agency because there are few teams teams with salary cap space. But as was the case with Reid, rather than squeezing their players for the team’s financial gain, Timberwolves basketball boss Tim Connelly reached a fair deal both sides can feel good about.
Randle’s signing likely means Minnesota will not have the money to retain Nickeil Alexander-Walker when free agency opens on Monday evening. The Wolves have little-to-no wiggle room to work with to stay under the second apron while filling out their roster. They’ll likely look to add another ball handler, whether that be with a point guard or a combo guard, but resources to do so will be limited.
But they do return their front court from a year ago, all of whom are now armed with a better idea of how to play with one another after a season of work. Randle noted the efficiency he was able to find down the stretch was a win for Minnesota.
“It’s really just whatever Coach (Finch) asks, whatever he needs me to do, if he needs me to score, if he needs me to pass. I think one thing I can do a lot better next year is rebound the basketball. That’s been one of the strong suits of my career, and I feel like I didn’t rebound the ball well at all this year,” Randle said.
“Then defensively, just being as engaged as possible,” he added. “I think when I’m playing with guys like Ant, Jaden (McDaniels) and Rudy (Gobert) and those guys, and how they bring that intensity level on the defensive end, it’s inspiring. So, I think that’s somewhere where I feel like I can take a step, as well, being engaged full-time and being disruptive on that end.”
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