Training camp was just around the corner for the Timberwolves last year when the team made a seismic trade (didn't become official until after training camp started). Gone was franchise icon Karl-Anthony Towns. Coming to Minnesota were Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. A three-time All-Star, Randle will now be with the Wolves for the entire training camp and will be much more acclimated with his teammates. He spoke on how things have changed between this year and last.
Julius Randle is much more comfortable in Minnesota
The Timberwolves’ training camp began on Tuesday and will run through Friday. On Wednesday, Randle was asked about the difference between this year’s training camp as compared to last year's.
"It’s night and day, Randle said. Just everything from basketball to life to just health…like last year I was just coming off an injury at this time as well…so like I feel comfortable, I’m happy."
Julius Randle on the difference in his mindset this training camp compared to last year
— Andrew Dukowitz (@adukeMN) October 1, 2025
“I think it’s going to let us hit the ground running, it’s not going to be us trying to figure all this stuff out… it’s night and day man, it’s like just everything from basketball to my… pic.twitter.com/hYbFfxCXdw
It can never be easy to be rerouted so late in the offseason. Turning 31 years old on November 29, Randle spent five seasons with the Knicks prior to the deal. New York was playing inspired basketball to begin 2024, but a shoulder injury suffered on January 27 sidelined Randle for the rest of the season.
The 6-foot-9 power forward certainly had motivation to help the Knicks continue the excellent ball they played before he got injured, as he worked to get healthy. Of course, that was taken away from him.
Randle easily had his best postseason last season
Randle’s first season with Minnesota saw his averages decrease, but that was to be expected. In his 69 regular season appearances, he posted averages of 18.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists. As the season went along, Randle became a reliable second option on offense.
After having well-documented playoff struggles with the Knicks, Randle experienced his best playoff basketball last season as the Timberwolves reached the conference finals. In his first 15 career playoff games, all with New York, Randle shot just 34.4% from the field and 28.3% from beyond the arc. In 15 postseason outings with Minnesota last season, his accuracy improved to 50.2% from the field and 38.5% from 3-point territory.
Randle’s current happiness shouldn’t be a surprise. A recent article by The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski highlighted how the 11-year veteran is in a much better state of mind. Knicks fans often brought up Randle seemingly having his bouts of moodiness, something that wasn't noticed as much last season with the Timberwolves.