May 8, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) dribbles against the San Antonio Spurs in the second half during game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
May 8, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) dribbles against the San Antonio Spurs in the second half during game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
There’s nowhere to go but up for the Brooklyn Nets. After the conclusion of a 20-62 season, the franchise remains locked in a major rebuilding project, with all eyes looking toward the future.
Of course, for veteran power forward Julius Randle, his ambitions reach a bit higher. In a recent chat with the media during a team event, Randle revealed his expectations for the upcoming season and why the Nets are poised to shock the world.
“Whatever your expectations are, whatever expectations are put upon us, we’re going to exceed them,” said Randle, via Connor Long. “We’re going to do things at a very high level. We’re gonna build, come in with the right habits every day, and we’re gonna [shock the world].”
Randle, 31, is a three-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA player with career averages of 19.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game on 47.2% shooting from the field. The Nets are the fifth team he’s joined in the past 12 years, and many fans fully expect this to be his most forgettable tenure.
Randle, however, is taking a more positive approach to his new situation. Rather than sulking over missed opportunities, he’s embracing his new role and the challenges that come with it. It also helps that the team itself has been supportive since Randle’s arrival, earning his respect by going above and beyond with support.
“Just first class,” Randle added. “Even on days like today, they did so much to help put this event on, with resources and just being able to connect with the community. I felt like it was really important for me to do that; coming back here, it was one of the first things I wanted to do. First-class organization that just really wants to help in any way possible to be the best basketball player and human you can be.”
As it stands, the Brooklyn Nets don’t have a lot going for them right now, but the combined impact of Randle and Michael Porter Jr. could be enough for them to compete for a play-in spot in the East. As for what happens at the end of Randle’s three-year, $100 million contract (two years remaining), it likely depends on what happens this season.
If Randle can make good on his promise and lead the Nets to an unlikely position in the East, it could be enough to earn a long-term place on the team. But if the Nets continue to show no signs of progress, they’d be better off flipping Randle in exchange for picks and/or young players to help the rebuild.
Either way, Julius won’t be concerned with his individual stats this season. His only worry will be making an impact where it matters and helping restore the Nets to a state of contention. As it stands, they still have a long way to go before anyone takes them seriously, but Randle is already helping them achieve the first step to greatness: setting a championship culture.
So while Julius certainly never asked to be traded to Brooklyn, he plans to make the most of his time there, which may not play out as doubters expect.