Over the summer, Julius Randle re-signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves on a three-year $100 million deal. At the time, the deal looked like it was an incredible value, as Randle is clearly better than the 61st-best player, as his contract would suggest. Furthermore, Randle signing a cheaper deal allowed the Wolves to re-sign Naz Reid. As time has gone on, though, Randle's contract has aged even better than originally expected.
Randle is averaging 22.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.8 assists on 49/33.9/81.4 shooting splits. Acclimating to a new team, Randle had somewhat of a down year last season, averaging 18.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists on 48.5/34.4/80.6 shooting splits. This allowed the Wolves to re-sign him at a lower price. Nevertheless, Randle showed his immense value in the playoffs and in the latter part of the regular season.
Undoubtedly, Randle's shot creation and playmaking make him an ideal co-star next to Anthony Edwards. To find such a high-level co-star at this price is an absolute steal in the modern NBA.
Julius Randle's impact far exceeds his contract
It's not a coincidence that since trading for Randle, the Wolves have had a top-10 offense in the past two years -- something they had never previously had in the Edwards era. Also, the Wolves' offense is 16.4 points per 100 possessions better with Randle on the court, which again isn't a coincidence.
I don't want to make this entire article a Randle Karl-Anthony Towns comparison. However, Randle gives the Wolves more shot creation and playmaking juice than Towns did while being $25 million cheaper on a yearly basis. Plus, the Wolves got Donte DiVincenzo in this deal, who has proven to be immensely valuable.
As one of the best scorers in the league, Edwards receives an absurd amount of pressure from opposing defenses. This makes Randle's ability to create for himself and others all the more valuable. Notably, Randle ranks in the top 15 for isolation points per game. His bully-ball style of play exposes mismatches and gives the Wolves' offense efficient scoring at the rim.
Randle's latest 28-point, 11-rebound, eight-assist outing against the Cleveland Cavaliers is the perfect example of his impact.
Julius Randle 28 PTS, 11 REB, 8 AST, 10/21 FG, 3/7 3FG, 5/6 FT, 59.2% TS vs Cavs https://t.co/D86ypSZBse pic.twitter.com/nVVuEGNxeC
— Basketball Performances (@NBAPerformances) January 9, 2026
Playmaking is the most underrated aspect of Randle's game. As the Wolves' starting five operates without a traditional point guard, Randle is essential to their point guard-by-committee approach.
He leads the team in assists (5.8) and gives the Wolves offense some extra versatility. Randle is an elite passer on drive-and-kick plays. However, the Wolves also run actions with him at the high-post or setting up the offense at the top of the key like a classic PG. Randle's versatile playmaking is central to the Wolves' offensive success, and it helps open up opportunities for Edwards.
Ultimately, Randle is an amazing co-star, and he is one of the best value contracts in the entire NBA.