Julius Randle is set to remain a cornerstone of the Minnesota Timberwolves after agreeing to a lucrative three-year contract worth $100 million, including a player option for the 2027-28 season, sources confirmed on Sunday, June 29, 2025. This deal, which Randle is finalizing after opting out of his $30.9 million player option for the 2025-26 season, solidifies his place in the Timberwolves' frontcourt alongside stars Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels, creating a trio of big men each earning at least $100 million.
The 30-year-old forward arrived in Minnesota last fall in a blockbuster trade that sent franchise icon Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks. Initially, Randle faced skepticism about his fit with the Timberwolves, especially considering the team's breakthrough run to the Western Conference finals the previous season. However, after a slow start and a groin injury in late January 2025, Randle found his rhythm, becoming an integral playmaker and scorer for Minnesota.
In the 2024-25 regular season, Randle averaged 18.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, shooting an efficient 48.5% from the field, his best since the 2018-19 season. His impact was felt strongly on both ends of the floor, as Minnesota posted a 44-25 record in games he played compared to 5-8 without him. After returning from injury in early March, he elevated his performance, averaging nearly 21 points, eight rebounds, and six assists per 36 minutes, shooting 59% on two-pointers, 40% from beyond the arc, and 79% from the free-throw line. The Timberwolves surged during this stretch, winning 17 of their final 21 games to clinch the Western Conference's No. 6 seed.
Randle’s playoff performances further cemented his value. He was a key factor in Minnesota's five-game series victories over the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, averaging 23.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.9 assists on 62% true shooting during the first two rounds. Notably, he became just the second player in franchise history to record a postseason triple-double, posting 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Warriors. His physicality and playmaking ability were pivotal, especially in his matchup against Draymond Green.
Despite the team's eventual five-game loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference finals—a series where Randle struggled with 18 turnovers over 157 minutes—his overall postseason career highs of 21.7 points per game and 50.2% shooting demonstrated his growth as a clutch performer. The Timberwolves ended the season with optimism, having won 30 of the last 36 games that featured Randle, including regular season and the first two playoff rounds.
Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly praised Randle’s adaptability and leadership, stating, “What Julius deserves all the credit for is he realized how he can be most impactful to the team’s success and he really dove into that with his playmaking, with his ability to draw two in the post. I thought he was a very underrated isolation defender and his overall toughness and positivity.” Coach Chris Finch echoed this sentiment, highlighting Randle's importance to the team's identity: “He gives us just another, almost another point guard out there. It’s been everything for our turnaround. It’s everything for our team.”
Randle’s new contract, signed alongside a five-year, $125 million extension for sixth man Naz Reid, pushes the Timberwolves' payroll close to the NBA's second luxury tax apron for the 2025-26 season. This financial landscape means the team will likely part ways with free agent guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who is expected to seek a contract around the mid-level exception, which Minnesota cannot accommodate without exceeding tax thresholds.
With the core of their Western Conference finalists largely intact—including Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, Mike Conley, and Donte DiVincenzo—the Timberwolves are banking on continuity and development to make another deep playoff run. Randle and DiVincenzo’s combined salaries for next season will total about $43 million, roughly $10 million less than Towns’ individual salary, reflecting the front office’s successful effort to restructure the roster for financial flexibility.
Randle, who will turn 31 in November 2025, expressed his enthusiasm for Minneapolis and the team’s future. “I will say that I love it here, and this is the most meaningful basketball that I’ve played in my career,” he said. “From how the organization has made me feel, from just my teammates and playing with Ant as our leader, I love it. There’s a lot to be excited about.” Off the court, Randle and his family have embraced life in Minnesota, enjoying the slower pace and spacious surroundings compared to New York City.
Draft moves also hint at the Timberwolves’ long-term vision, with the No. 17 overall pick used on French center Joan Beringer and the No. 45 pick on Australian center Rocco Zikarsky, signaling an investment in bolstering their frontcourt depth behind Gobert and Randle.
As free agency opens, Minnesota faces the challenge of supplementing their roster under tight salary cap constraints. Adding another ball-handler or a traditional center behind Gobert could be priorities, but the team will rely heavily on internal growth from young players like Terrence Shannon Jr., Jaylen Clark, and the continuing development of Edwards, McDaniels, and Reid.
Randle’s journey from a trade surprise to a foundational Timberwolf encapsulates the team’s recent transformation. His blend of physicality, playmaking, and leadership has helped reshape Minnesota’s identity and provided hope that the franchise can break through to the NBA Finals after consecutive Western Conference finals appearances. With his new contract in place, Randle’s presence will be a key ingredient in the Timberwolves’ quest for championship glory.
