The Minnesota Timberwolves are a team that has achieved deep playoff runs in back-to-back years, thanks in part to Anthony Edwards and his supporting cast. The past two postseasons have seen them nearly reach the NBA Finals, only to fall short in their quest.
In the most recent playoffs, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the talented Oklahoma City Thunder ousted Minnesota. With Ant-Man seeming to improve each season, it seemed essential to keep other significant teammates on the roster for now.
As the offseason arrived, concerns surfaced about whether the team could re-sign Naz Reid and Julius Randle. Both were key contributors throughout the Timberwolves' past season and playoff run.
On Friday, ESPN's Shams Charania revealed via sources that Reid would sign a new five-year deal with the team worth $125 million, raising some eyebrows about whether they'd also be able to keep Randle.
May 14, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) raises his arm to pump up the crowd after making a shot against the Golden State Warriors in the first half during game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30).
Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
On Sunday, ESPN's NBA insider reported again, citing sources, that Randle will sign a three-year, $100 million deal with the team. According to Charania's sources, the deal also includes a player option for the 2027-28 season.
And that's a significant development for the Wolves heading into the 2025-26 season. Randle came to the team from the New York Knicks in a deal that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to NYC. In the past season, his first with Minnesota, Randle ranked second on the team in scoring and rebound averages, while leading in assists.
While his averages dipped for the postseason, he provided similar contributions during the NBA Playoffs, averaging 25.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game.
Fans at the Timberwolves subreddit shared their reactions to the big news, with most seeming happy about the team's recent moves.
"Naz & Randle locked up is huge, and they said it couldn’t be done!" a Reddit commenter wrote.
"Let’s go! Time for some much needed consistency," another individual commented on Reddit.
"This is great! Keeps our core together and now we can start to build chemistry. No more stat-padding from guys trying to earn a bigger contract in free agency," another Reddit commenter said.
"And there you go. Wolves running it back with an experienced core and three young players that will likely show significant improvement in Year 2," another commenter wrote.
In addition to re-signing Reid and Randle, the team drafted two big men at last week's NBA Draft. In the first round, they selected French center Joan Beringer, followed by Rocco Zikarsky in the second.
With Reid and Randle back, Nikeil Alexander-Walker is the next roster member in the spotlight. However, there is speculation he won't return and will seek an opportunity with another team through free agency.