The Brooklyn Nets have acquired forward Julius Randle and the No. 28 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft from the Minnesota Timberwolves in a three-team trade that also involves the Chicago Bulls. In exchange, the Nets sent center Nic Claxton and their No. 33 draft pick. The deal, initially reported by multiple sources, is pending finalization until July 6 due to salary cap considerations.
Randle, a three-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection during his career, spent five seasons with the New York Knicks before being traded to Minnesota in 2024 as part of the Karl-Anthony Towns deal. Last season, Randle averaged 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists over 79 games. Standing 6-foot-9 and weighing 250 pounds, the 31-year-old is one year into a three-year, $100 million contract with the Timberwolves, with a player option for the following season.
The Timberwolves reportedly pursued the trade to create salary cap space needed to re-sign guard Ayo Dosunmu and maintain a starting role for forward Naz Reid. For the Nets, the acquisition adds a veteran scorer to complement Michael Porter Jr., who carried much of the team's offensive load last season. The move raises Brooklyn’s payroll by approximately $13 million, but the team still retains roughly $20 million in cap space and access to the mid-level exception.
Brooklyn’s general manager, Sean Marks, also secured an improved draft position by moving up from the 33rd to the 28th pick, enhancing the team’s options in a deep draft. The Nets hold the No. 6 selection, where they are reportedly considering several guards, including Louisville’s Mikel Brown, Illinois’ Keaton Wagler, and Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr. Brown has engaged in multiple meetings and a workout with the franchise and emphasized his eagerness to build a strong connection with head coach Jordi Fernández, a former point guard who stresses guard development.
The trade also saw Claxton sent to Chicago, where he joins a Bulls team with increasing cap space. This move is seen as part of the Nets’ broader strategy to leverage veteran talent through trades rather than free-agent signings. With the addition of Randle, Brooklyn adds a frontcourt player capable of scoring and playmaking, while maintaining flexibility for continued roster development through the draft and future acquisitions.
As the Nets prepare for the 2024-2025 season, they aim to bolster their competitiveness in the Eastern Conference, with Randle’s experience and the influx of young talent expected to contribute to the team’s objectives. Meanwhile, Randle returns to New York, but this time as a member of the Nets, who will face off against the Knicks and their emerging championship aspirations from across the city.