Julius Randle is set to sign a three-year, $100 million extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves. This deal includes player options for the 2027-28 season.
The 30-year-old forward made a major contribution after arriving from the New York Knicks in the Karl Anthony Towns’ blockbuster trade.
Julius Randle averaged 18.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game during the regular season. His influence helped Minnesota reach the Western Conference Finals before Minnesota fell into the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The extension also represents Timberwolves’ second major move this week after Naz Reid’s five-year contract.
The total agreement will bring Minnesota salary near the second tax apron for the 2025-26 season.
This financial pressure will force the Timberwolves to lose another free agent, Nikkeil Alexander Walker, to avoid the luxurious tax penalty.
The impact on pay caps has led to mixed reactions throughout the NBA community. Timberwolves fans are particularly divided into the long-term value of the extension.
Some supporters believe Minnesota has made the right decision by securing Randle’s services. They see him as both a core contributor and potential trade asset, if necessary.
“Julious proved his upside-down in the playoffs,” one fan wrote, highlighting his postseason performance.
Many fans pointed to Randle’s playoff excellence as justification for the Hafty contract. He averaged 21.7 points per game with 50.2% shooting during postseason runs.
“The fit doesn’t have to be perfect right now. It’s enough to be one of the best teams in the NBA,” another supporter wrote.
Charlie Walton, who covers Minnesota, praised Randle’s offensive influence. “He unlocked the attack, proved to be a reliable quarantine scorer and a really good Ali partner,” Walton explained.
Randle’s chemistry with Anthony Edwards emerged as a key factor in the expansion decision. Their partnership provided Minnesota with a reliable scoring duo at a critical playoff moment.
However, skeptics believe the Timberwolves and Edwards deserve a superior second option. They argue that Randle’s age and contradiction make him an expensive gamble.
Economic concerns go beyond Randle’s contract alone. Minnesota will be making an expensive frontcourt combination with Rudy Goatbert paying more than $40 million next season.
Critics are concerned about the long-term sustainability of paying a fair amount of money for two old big names. This situation could limit the flexibility to improve other roster areas in Minnesota.
The extension reflects Minnesota’s current commitment to core, acknowledging the urgency of the Championship window. Whether Randle justifies the investment remains the biggest problem facing franchises.