What Happened to Julius Deion Randle?
Julius Randle is an American professional basketball player currently playing power forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves. After being drafted by the Lakers and a stint with the Pelicans, he rose to prominence with the New York Knicks, earning multiple All-Star selections and the NBA Most Improved Player Award, before being traded to the Timberwolves in 2024. He recently recovered from a hand injury and is set to participate in the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
Quick Answer
Julius Randle, a three-time NBA All-Star and former Most Improved Player, currently plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was traded from the New York Knicks in October 2024 and signed a three-year, $100 million extension with the Timberwolves in June 2025. After undergoing shoulder surgery in April 2024 and dealing with a recent hand injury in April 2026, Randle has been cleared to play in the 2026 NBA Playoffs, with the Timberwolves facing the Denver Nuggets in Game 1 on April 18, 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline16 events
Drafted by Los Angeles Lakers
Julius Randle was selected with the seventh overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Rookie Season-Ending Injury
Just 14 minutes into his NBA debut, Randle broke his right tibia, sidelining him for the remainder of his rookie season.
Signs with New Orleans Pelicans
After the Lakers renounced his rights, Randle signed a two-year deal with the New Orleans Pelicans as an unrestricted free agent.
Joins New York Knicks
Randle signed a three-year, $63 million contract with the New York Knicks, marking a new chapter in his career.
First NBA All-Star Selection
Randle was named an NBA All-Star reserve for the first time in his career, recognizing his stellar performance with the Knicks.
Wins NBA Most Improved Player Award
Randle was overwhelmingly voted the NBA Most Improved Player, receiving 98 out of 100 first-place votes, and was also named to the All-NBA Second Team.
Signs Contract Extension with Knicks
Following his breakout season, Randle signed a four-year, $117 million contract extension with the New York Knicks.
Second NBA All-Star Selection
Randle was named to his second NBA All-Star Game as a reserve for the Eastern Conference.
Undergoes Shoulder Surgery, Misses Playoffs
Randle underwent shoulder surgery, ending his 2023-2024 season and preventing him from participating in the Knicks' playoff run.
Traded to Minnesota Timberwolves
Randle was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of a three-team deal that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks.
Signs Extension with Timberwolves
Randle and the Minnesota Timberwolves agreed to a three-year, $100 million contract extension, securing his future with the team.
Strong Start to 2025-26 Season
Randle began the 2025-26 season averaging 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists through the first six games, shooting over 50% from the field.
Game-Winning Shot vs. Rockets
Randle scored a game-winning jumper with 8.8 seconds left in overtime to seal a comeback victory for the Timberwolves against the Houston Rockets.
Right Hand Soreness Reported
Randle was listed on the injury report with right hand soreness, causing him to miss some of the final regular-season games.
Cleared for Playoffs
Randle was officially removed from the injury report, confirming his readiness to play in the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
Plays Game 1 of Playoffs vs. Nuggets
Julius Randle and the Minnesota Timberwolves are scheduled to play Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs against the Denver Nuggets.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Julius Randle's professional basketball journey began when he was selected seventh overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2014 NBA Draft. His rookie season was cut short by a broken right tibia just 14 minutes into his debut. After four seasons with the Lakers, he became an unrestricted free agent and signed with the New Orleans Pelicans for the 2018-2019 season.
Randle's career took a significant turn when he joined the New York Knicks in July 2019. He experienced a breakout season in 2020-2021, earning his first NBA All-Star selection, being named to the All-NBA Second Team, and winning the NBA Most Improved Player Award. He led the Knicks to their first playoff appearance since 2013, though their run ended in the first round. He continued his strong performance, earning another All-Star selection in 2023.
The 2023-2024 season with the Knicks was impacted by a shoulder injury sustained in January 2024, which ultimately required surgery in April 2024, sidelining him for the remainder of the season and the playoffs. This injury marked a key turning point, as he was subsequently traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a three-team deal in October 2024, which also involved Karl-Anthony Towns moving to the Knicks.
Upon joining the Timberwolves, Randle quickly integrated into the team, and by June 2025, he agreed to a three-year, $100 million contract extension, demonstrating Minnesota's commitment to him. He had a productive 2024-2025 season, averaging 18.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 69 games, helping the Timberwolves reach the Western Conference Finals. The 2025-2026 season saw Randle continue to be a key contributor, averaging 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 79 games. He notably hit a game-winning jumper in an overtime victory against the Houston Rockets in March 2026.
As of April 18, 2026, Julius Randle has been dealing with right hand soreness, causing him to miss the final three regular-season games. However, he has been officially cleared from the injury report and is set to return for Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, April 18, 2026. His return is crucial for the Timberwolves' playoff aspirations, as he remains a vital offensive and rebounding force for the team.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Julius Deion Randle made different choices?