Story perspectives

Timberwolves Trade Randle to Nets in Three-Team Deal

6/24/2026

Summary

Nets Acquire Randle

On June 23, 2026, the Minnesota Timberwolves traded Julius Randle and the No. 28 pick to the Brooklyn Nets in a three-team deal.
The Nets received Randle, a $33.3 million salary, and moved from No. 28 to No. 6 in the 2026 first-round draft.
Minnesota received the Nets’ No. 33 second-round pick, forward Mouhamadou Gueye, and a $33 million trade exception that funded Ayo Dosunmu’s five-year, $112 million re-signing, while Chicago took Nic Claxton, who earns $23.3 million this season.

Summary

Randle Joins Nets

Julius Randle said he is excited to join the Nets.
He helped the Knicks reach back-to-back Eastern Conference Semifinals and earned three All-Stars.
In Minnesota’s 2026 playoff loss to the Spurs he averaged 12.8 points on 34.2 percent shooting and 19.0 percent from three.
Last season he posted 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.0 steals while his contract could net nearly $70 million, bringing earnings close to $200 million.

Summary

Randle Sparks Skepticism

Fans called the return underwhelming and labeled the trade a disaster.
Social media said fans wanted Randle moved earlier but felt a second-round pick and Mo Gueye were insufficient.
Analysts said the $33 million trade exception could let GM Tim Connelly chase guard Derrick White, sparking fan skepticism.
The Brooklyn Nets view Randle and the No. 28 pick as a rebuild boost, giving them multiple first-round assets for the draft.

Summary

Randle Heads Brooklyn

Julius Randle was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, bringing him back to New York City in the borough of Brooklyn.
Randle said Kobe Bryant’s “never-pout” mentality still guides his approach, citing his career-playoff high of 31 points against Golden State as proof.
His 9-year-old son Kyden posted an Instagram Story saying he is “so excited” to be heading to Brooklyn, while Randle has not issued a statement about the trade.

History

Historical Context

After the July 31 2007 deal that sent franchise star Kevin Garnett from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Boston Celtics—fueling Boston’s 2008 NBA Finals win in six games—the league has seen blockbuster, high-salary swaps reshape rosters. The 2026 three-team trade mirrors that pattern, moving Julius Randle and a $33.3 million contract to Brooklyn while giving Minnesota a $33 million trade exception and new draft positioning.

1 of 5

Nets Acquire Randle

On June 23, 2026, the Minnesota Timberwolves traded Julius Randle and the No. 28 pick to the Brooklyn Nets in a three-team deal.
The Nets received Randle, a $33.3 million salary, and moved from No. 28 to No. 6 in the 2026 first-round draft.
Minnesota received the Nets’ No. 33 second-round pick, forward Mouhamadou Gueye, and a $33 million trade exception that funded Ayo Dosunmu’s five-year, $112 million re-signing, while Chicago took Nic Claxton, who earns $23.3 million this season.

1 / 5