The Minnesota Timberwolves have secured a significant deal with Julius Randle by signing him to a three-year, $100 million contract extension, strengthening their roster ahead of the upcoming NBA season. Amid ongoing free agency movements, Randle also expressed his deep connection to former Los Angeles Lakers teammates Brandon Ingram and Jordan Clarkson, reflecting on their evolving careers.
Timberwolves Rebuild Amid Active Offseason Changes
The Timberwolves’ offseason has been marked by both retention and departures as they prepare for next season. Naz Reid and Julius Randle are confirmed to remain with the team, while several others like Luka Garza and Josh Minott have moved on, signing with the Boston Celtics. Free agent Nickeil Alexander-Walker also left Minnesota, joining the Atlanta Hawks. These shifts reflect the broader NBA trend of players changing teams through trades and free agency.
High-profile moves include the Milwaukee Bucks waiving star Damian Lillard and acquiring Myles Turner from the Indiana Pacers. Meanwhile, Jordan Clarkson, formerly of the Utah Jazz, is expected to sign with the New York Knicks after clearing free agency waivers and securing a contract buyout.
Julius Randle’s Connection to Former Lakers Teammates
Julius Randle’s new contract guarantees his ongoing role as a key figure for the Timberwolves alongside rising star Anthony Edwards. Beyond basketball, Randle continues to follow and support his former Lakers teammates. During the 2016-17 NBA season, he played alongside both Clarkson and Ingram, the latter acquired by the Lakers through the 2016 NBA Draft.
On a recent live stream shared on X, Randle spoke warmly about Brandon Ingram, especially in light of Ingram’s recent three-year, $120 million contract extension with the Toronto Raptors, despite being sidelined due to an ankle injury.
BI? Man, I love BI. Y’all want me to make a starting five with my teammates, that’s really, really hard to do. I’ve played with a lot of great players,
—Julius Randle, Timberwolves forward-center
Randle acknowledged his ongoing relationships with both Ingram and Clarkson, referring to them as “brothers forever,” and takes pride in seeing them succeed financially and professionally.
I love seeing everybody getting paid. Staying in this thing, man,
—Julius Randle, Timberwolves forward-center
Jordan Clarkson’s Next Chapter with the New York Knicks
Jordan Clarkson’s move to the Knicks adds another chapter to a career involving multiple teams. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Clarkson will join New York after finalizing a contract buyout with Utah. The Knicks may offer him a veteran minimum contract, though specific details remain unavailable. This signing is one of several key transactions influencing the NBA’s player landscape as teams finalize rosters.
Significance of Randle’s Extension for Timberwolves’ Future
Julius Randle’s three-year contract extension not only secures a cornerstone player for Minnesota but also positions the Timberwolves as competitive contenders heading into the next seasons. Reuniting with Anthony Edwards, an emerging All-Star, Randle is expected to have a pivotal role in shaping the team’s direction. His ties to other notable players, including former teammates Ingram and Clarkson, highlight the overlapping narratives that persist in the league as players develop and transition.