Randle to Brooklyn: a surprise trade from Minnesota

A surprise trade happened on the eve of the NBA Draft: the Minnesota Timberwolves traded three-time All-Star Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets. The deal, involving three teams, stood out as a notable roster and financial move in the league.

Under the deal, Minnesota send Randle and the No. 28 pick in the 2026 draft to Brooklyn, receiving only the No. 33 pick in return. As part of the three-team structure, Nic Claxton moved from the Nets to the Chicago Bulls, while Mo Gueye went from the Bulls to Minnesota, though the player is expected to be waived. The real aim of this seemingly lopsided trade was salary savings.

By shedding Randle's $33.3 million salary for next season, Minnesota dropped to $63 million below the second apron, gaining significant financial flexibility. Right after the move, the Timberwolves agreed to a five-year, $112 million deal to keep their key free agent Ayo Dosunmu. Minnesota also created a $33.3 million trade exception they can use in the future. With Randle's departure, Naz Reid is expected to start the season as the team's full-time power forward for the first time in his career.

Randle, who averaged 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 79 games last season, remained productive on the floor but had been criticised for low shooting percentages in the playoffs; in the loss to the Spurs he shot 34% from the field and 19% from three. The 31-year-old forward moves to his fifth team after the Knicks, Lakers, Pelicans and Timberwolves. Brooklyn, meanwhile, added a three-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA name, bringing experience and scoring to their young group; with Randle and Michael Porter Jr., the Nets could target a Play-In push.

Image: Yahoo Sports