Julius Randle finally opened up about the New York Knicks trading him to the Minnesota Timberwolves last year.
One of the biggest examples of a win-win trade in the NBA came about prior to the start of last season, when the New York Knicks traded Julius Randle to land Karl-Anthony Towns.
While fans on both sides questioned the trade at the time, it appeared to work out, as the Knicks and Timberwolves reached the Conference Finals in the East and West, respectively.
The Timberwolves clearly liked what they saw from their new star, as they signed Randle to a $100 million contract extension.
And of course, Julius Randle wouldn’t have re-signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves if he didn’t enjoy playing with them. But how did he feel when the New York Knicks initially traded him?
Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty ImagesJulius Randle initially down over Minnesota Timberwolves trade
Julius Randle was a guest on Dr. Daniel Amen’s podcast recently. When discussing his trade from the New York Knicks and the Minnesota Timberwolves, Randle gave some insight.
While he is happy with how things turned out, Randle was initially disappointed, as he had given so much to the Knicks and been a key part of their re-emergence as a competitive team in the NBA.
“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.
“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.”
Julius Randle in a far better environment with the Minnesota Timberwolves
While leaving the New York Knicks may have been emotionally devastating for Julius Randle, it’s hard to argue that didn’t work out for the better.
Randle was falling far behind in the pecking order on the Knicks, with Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby usurping him in Tom Thibodeau’s rotation.
On the Timberwolves, Randle has formed a connection with Anthony Edwards, with the superstar treating Randle with a lot of respect and encouragement.
As time goes on, Randle could become a key fixture on the Timberwolves, as they look to build a contender around Edwards.