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Julius Randle Makes $100 Million Free-Agent Decision on Future With Timberwolves

Timberwolves star Julius Randle came into the offseason with a number of choices, some of which were up to him and some of which would be up to the honchos running the team in Minnesota. Randle had a player option worth $31 million, and he could simply take that option and move forward, with free agency ahead in 2026, or take the option and seek an extension from the Wolves.

Or he could opt out of the final year of his contract and become a free agent, putting pressure on the team to sign him--though pressure is hard to come by, because the league is lacking in cap space. Still another choice: He could have been used in a trade.

In the end, Randle and the franchise came together to work out something that benefits both sides--they agreed to a new contract altogether, with Randle signing on for three years and $100 million.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported the news.

"Breaking: Three-time NBA all-star Julius Randle intends to sign a new three-year, $100M deal to stay with the Timberwolves, sources tell @ShamsCharania," ESPN wrote on Sunday.

After he was traded from the Knicks in teh offseason, Randle took some time to settle in with the Timberwolves and their offense. But he got there eventually, and was outstanding down the stretch of the season.

Randle's scoring dipped after the All-Star break, from 18.9 points to 18.2, but his efficiency spiked--he shot 47.0% from the field and 32.1% from the 3-point arc before the break, but 52.3% and 39.8% after. He averaged 5.2 assists in the second half, up from 4.5 in the first.

Though he had some struggles in the Western Conference finals, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch repeatedly praised Randle during the playoffs.

When Randle logged a 24-point, 10-rebound, 12-assist effort in the conference semis vs the Warriors, Finch said of Randle's apssing ability, "“It’s everything for us. It’s been everything for our team.”

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