NBA Odds: Julius Randle, His Future with the Wolves

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Julius Randle Thinks About the Future with the Timberwolves

A New Beginning in Minnesota

Julius Randle is getting used to his new surroundings after being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of the Karl-Anthony Towns deal. The All-Star forward has spent the last five years in New York, helping Tom Thibodeau build a competitive team and improve the NBA odds. Now, he finds himself on a squad ready to contend under the guidance of Chris Finch.

The 29-year-old veteran, who played at the University of Kentucky, is joining his fourth team in the league. He averages 47.0% shooting from the field and 31.1% from three-point range, where he needs to improve and be fortunate while dealing with fewer injuries. Last season with the New York Knicks, he played only 46 games, missing even some postseason action. The player had a shoulder injury that required surgery, which ended Randle´s 2023-24 season after 46 games.

A Bright Yet Uncertain Future

Randle has two years left on his four-year, $112 million contract, with a player option for the 2025-26 season. This means he could become a free agent next summer. Despite being with his new teammates for only a few days, Randle is considering signing a long-term contract with the Timberwolves.

The player will make $33.1 million for the following season, plus a player option for just under $31 million. But other players of the team have their issues; Rudy Gobert is also ensuring the last guaranteed season of his contract with a $43,8 million salary and a $46,7 million player option for 2025-26

However, while it’s reasonable for Randle to think about his future beyond this season, it might be premature for the Timberwolves. They need proof that Randle can elevate the team and provide the offensive and defensive punch necessary to continue competing at the top of the Western Conference. His injury issues in recent seasons are also an additional concern.

Will He Fit In?

On paper, Randle’s fit with the Timberwolves is questionable. He could be a better three-point shooter, hitting only 31.1% on 5.3 attempts per game last season and 33.3% for his career. Most of his offense comes from mid-range, which accounted for 39% of his total production last year.

With Rudy Gobert and Anthony Edwards on the roster, Randle must improve his perimeter game. Chris Finch will demand good court spacing so that Edwards can control games and Gobert can be a threat near the basket. These three key players can make the NBA Odds for the new season very attractive.

The Challenge of the New Season

Randle will have an entire season to define his role and prove his worth to the Timberwolves. If he can adapt and maintain an All-Star level of play, a longer future with the franchise could be possible. Otherwise, he might opt into his player option or seek a new home next summer.

They Meet Again

Coach Finch and Julius Randle will try again. The head coach and the player were together with the New Orleans Pelicans during Randle’s lone season with the team in 2018-19. That season was the best for the veteran, who averaged 21.4 points per game and 8.7 rebounds per game in 73 appearances.

The trade made for Randle, KAT, and some other players was motivated by the Timberwolves saving $26.5 million in payroll and luxury tax savings in the deal. The team must also resolve an unsettled ownership situation, with an arbitration hearing beginning on November 4.