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Julius Randle's extension could change everything for the Timberwolves

ByEamon Cassels|
May 24, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half in game three of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
May 24, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half in game three of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images | Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Just two days after extending Naz Reid, the Minnesota Timberwolves agreed to a three-year $100 million contract extension with Julius Randle. This three-year deal includes a player option for the 2027-28 season. Randle previously held a $30.9 million player option and now gets a slight raise. Retaining Randle and Reid was the priority for Minnesota heading into the offseason. Crucially, the Wolves were able to get Randle back on a team-friendly deal.

Randle's contract is great value

Randle averaged 18.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists on 48.5/34.4/80.6 shooting splits during his first season with the Wolves. In the playoffs, Randle averaged 21.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.9 assists on 50.2/38.5/88 shooting splits; he was especially vital in the first two rounds. Randle’s presence as a secondary creator next to Anthony Edwards is essential. He is capable of being a second option on a championship team. To secure a player of that caliber on a deal under $35 million annually is a massive win for the Wolves, especially given their high payroll.


With Randle's contract being fairly short-term it also gives the Wolves some level of future flexibility. As the cap increases, Randle's deal will look even more like a steal. Even now, an annual salary of $33 million is a similar value to many third or fourth options across the league. For reference, Randle will make less than Deandre Ayton, Rudy Gobert, Jalen Suggs, and Michael Porter Jr., among other players, next season. Simply put, getting an All-Star caliber player and second option at this price is incredible value.

After re-signing Randle, the Wolves are $2 million below the second apron. This might not sound like much, but many people believed they'd have to dip into the second apron for another season to re-sign Randle. Possibly avoiding the second-apron penalties next season or having the option to make another move in the offseason is massive for Minnesota.


Now, the Wolves have some level of financial flexibility this offseason. Perhaps they can even re-sign Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Alternatively, they could make some improvements around the edges in free agency. While the Wolves still have a high payroll, Randle's deal was slightly lower than expected, making it a win for Minnesota. Given that Minnesota is on the border of the second apron, they could still opt to let Alexander-Walker leave. Even without Alexander-Walker, the Wolves still have a championship-level roster.

The Wolves' goal heading into the offseason was to re-sign Randle and Reid; accomplishing this before free agency starts is a massive win, especially given the value of Randle's contract. Minnesota is poised to be in the mix for a championship, and Randle will be a crucial part of this.

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