Julius Randle’s journey from the heart of New York City to the frosty courts of Minnesota has been anything but ordinary. The former New York Knicks star, who spent five seasons helping to resurrect the storied franchise, found himself at a crossroads last year when the Knicks traded him to the Minnesota Timberwolves—a move that stunned fans and, as it turns out, left Randle himself reeling at first.
Speaking on Dr. Daniel Amen’s podcast, Randle finally opened up about the emotional rollercoaster he experienced when the trade was announced. “It was amazing. It was very unexpected. The trade happens and you really… I’ve switched teams in my career, but I’d never been traded,” Randle admitted. “I remember [my wife] being very excited for me. For me? I was really down when it happened. I was ready for a fresh start, but also, when you spend five years somewhere and put everything you have into it… I’m the type of person who wants to see everything through. It’s like I got that taken away from me, and I just felt bad. But at the same time, I was ready for a new start. I just didn’t know how to adjust.”
The trade, which sent Randle to Minnesota in exchange for Karl-Anthony Towns, was considered a bold, win-win move for both franchises. And the results spoke for themselves: the Knicks and Timberwolves each powered their way to their respective Conference Finals in the 2024-2025 NBA season. While the Knicks found new life with Towns, the Timberwolves saw an immediate boost from Randle’s arrival, so much so that they wasted little time locking him up with a $100 million contract extension.
But Randle’s transition wasn’t just about a change of scenery or a bigger paycheck. The move to Minnesota marked a turning point in his personal life as well. On the Change Your Brain Every Day podcast, Randle revealed that he made a significant lifestyle change after the trade—he quit smoking marijuana. The decision, he said, was pivotal for both his mental health and his performance on the court.
“Important to have clear mind…without anything influencing you…substance…whatever…Smoking made me distant & not present…I’d kinda be in my own world,” Randle shared candidly. He continued, “It made me distant and not present. I’d kinda just be in my own world, and I’m like, ‘No, I’m fine.’ Like this is what it is. My wife would be like, ‘No, you’re just not present. We’re having a conversation and you’re not really present.”
The impact of this change was immediate. Randle credits his newfound clarity and focus for helping him reconnect with those around him and stay mentally strong during a challenging period of transition. Therapy, too, played a crucial role. “I’m a lot more zen,” Randle noted, attributing his strong playoff performance to the mental work he put in off the court.
On the basketball side, Randle’s adjustment to his new team was equally impressive. Despite the initial sting of leaving New York—a city where he had poured his heart and soul into the franchise—Randle quickly found his footing in Minnesota. With the Knicks, he had begun to slide down the rotation, with the likes of Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby overtaking him in Tom Thibodeau’s pecking order. In Minnesota, however, Randle found a new sense of purpose and camaraderie, particularly with rising superstar Anthony Edwards. The two quickly formed a bond, with Edwards showing Randle respect and encouragement, both on and off the court.
The Timberwolves, for their part, have made no secret of their plans to build their future around Edwards—and now Randle. The team’s front office saw enough in their new power forward to offer him a $100 million extension, signaling their belief that he can be a cornerstone of their championship aspirations.
Randle’s performance last season certainly justified the Timberwolves’ confidence. Over 69 games, he averaged 18.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists—a stat line that speaks to his versatility and value. But it was in the playoffs where Randle truly shined, bumping his scoring up to an impressive 21.7 points per game. His postseason surge didn’t go unnoticed: HoopsHype ranked Randle as the seventh-best power forward in the NBA heading into the 2025-26 season, ahead of high-profile players like Zion Williamson, who struggled with injuries, and just behind established stars such as Anthony Davis and Jaren Jackson Jr.
What makes Randle’s resurgence all the more remarkable is the context. After years of being the focal point in New York—and then seeing his role diminish—he could have easily faded into the background in Minnesota. Instead, he embraced the challenge, made meaningful changes to his lifestyle, and emerged as a leader both on and off the floor. The Timberwolves’ young core, led by Edwards and now bolstered by Randle’s presence, suddenly looks like a legitimate threat in the Western Conference.
Fans on both sides of the trade have come around to see the deal as a true win-win. The Knicks, revitalized by Towns, made a deep playoff run, while the Timberwolves unlocked another level with Randle’s contributions. It’s rare in the NBA for a blockbuster trade to work out so well for everyone involved, but this one seems to have done just that.
Of course, Randle’s story is still being written. The Timberwolves are counting on him to help guide their young squad through the rigors of another long season and, hopefully, another playoff run. With his new outlook on life, a clear mind, and the support of his teammates and family, Randle appears more than ready for the challenge.
As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, all eyes will be on Minnesota to see if this revamped roster can finally break through and capture the franchise’s first championship. With Julius Randle anchoring the frontcourt and Anthony Edwards continuing his ascent, the Timberwolves’ future has never looked brighter—or more intriguing.
For Julius Randle, the trade that once left him "really down" has become the catalyst for a remarkable new chapter. The Timberwolves, and their fans, are hoping that chapter ends with a title.