Full Breakdown
Timberwolves Trade Julius Randle to Nets in Three-Team Deal
6/24/2026, 5:23:37 AM
Three-Team Trade Overview
Minnesota sent forward Julius Randle and its No. 28 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft to the Brooklyn Nets. Brooklyn forwarded its No. 33 pick to Minnesota and center Nic Claxton to the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls also delivered forward Mouhamadou Gueye (non-guaranteed) to Minnesota. All league approvals are pending.
Motivations and Financial Implications
The primary driver for Minnesota was salary relief. Randle’s contract carries a $33.3 million salary for 2026-27 with a $35.8 million player option for 2027-28. Offloading the deal creates a $33 million trade exception, restores the Wolves to well-below the first-apron luxury-tax line, and frees space to re-sign guard Ayo Dosunmu to a five-year, $112 million deal.
Player and Draft Asset Details
Randle posted 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game in 2025-26, shooting 48.1 % from the field and 31.5 % from three. Claxton averaged 11.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks on 57.1 % shooting. The Nets acquire a three-time All-Star and move up five spots in the first round; the Wolves receive a second-round pick and a marginal roster addition.
Impact on Teams
- Brooklyn Nets: Add a proven scorer, gain a first-round pick (No. 28), and retain cap flexibility with $36 million in space.
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Gain financial flexibility, a trade exception, and a clearer path for Naz Reid to start at power forward alongside Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels.
- Chicago Bulls: Acquire a young, defensive-oriented center in Claxton without sacrificing draft assets.
Official Statements & Responses
Timberwolves insiders noted the move “clears $36 million of payroll and creates a $33 million trade exception” (analyst Yossi Gozlan). Front office analyst Jon Krawczynski emphasized that the trade “gives Minnesota flexibility to retain Ayo Dosunmu.” WCCO host Henry Lake observed the team “is concerned about Ayo and wants to keep him with the money available.”
Criticism & Opposition
Fans expressed disappointment, with one commentator tweeting, “Oof Minnesota wanted off Randle BAD” (Kevin O’Connor). Some observers called the return “underwhelming” given the loss of a veteran starter.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Randle’s exact next-season salary: some list $33.3 million, others cite $33 million. The contract’s player-option amount is reported as $35.8 million in most accounts, but a few outlets omit the option detail. No public comment from Randle or his representatives has been recorded.
Verbatim Quotes
- “@brooklynnets fans he really wanted to make this,” — Kendra Randle, Instagram caption
- “The Timberwolves just cleared $36 million of their payroll in this trade. They now have a $33 million trade exception and are $50 million below the first apron. Feels like the prelude to something bigger.” — Yossi Gozlan, NBA analyst
- “The Timberwolves free up significant salary tied to the final two years of Randle’s deal, giving them more flexibility to retain Dosunmu and use roster-building exceptions.” — Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic
- “Clearly, this team is concerned about Ayo and wanting to retain him, and having the money to be available to retain him, give a contract extension as an unrestricted free agent,” — Henry Lake, WCCO Morning News
- “ Billy Reinhardt: “Nic Claxton had 2-years, $44M approximately remaining on his deal.” — Billy Reinhardt, NBA analyst
What’s Next
Minnesota is expected to finalize Dosunmu’s extension and may target additional players using the $33 million trade exception. The Nets will evaluate how Randle fits alongside Michael Porter Jr. and may leverage the extra first-round pick in future deals. The Bulls will integrate Claxton into a rebuilding frontcourt.
