The New York Knicks enter the 2025-26 season as title contenders with Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns leading the charge, though the team once relied heavily on Julius Randle under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden.
Randle spent five seasons in New York and flourished with the organization, earning all three of his All-Star selections as a Knick. He was also named the NBA’s Most Improved Player in the 2020-21 campaign.
In what later proved to be his final game with the Knicks, the 30-year-old forward dislocated his right shoulder Jan. 27, 2024, and underwent season-ending surgery that April. With Brunson emerging as the Knicks’ centerpiece and Randle entering the final year of his contract in 2024-25, the Knicks ultimately traded the three-time All-Star — along with Donte DiVincenzo and a first-round pick — to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Towns just days before training camp.
MORE: Knicks predicted to make room for ex-Sixth Man of the Year in trade
Julius Randle reveals true feelings on Knicks trade
In a recent interview with Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, Randle reflected on his time in New York and the blockbuster trade that sent him to Minnesota, shocking the NBA.
“When I got traded, I’m like d—, I can’t believe this got taken from me,” he said. “It’s like, you worked so hard to build something, and it was just snatched away.”
Randle returned from shoulder surgery in time for Opening Night and immediately made an impact for his new team. He finished the 2024-25 campaign with averages of 18.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists across 32.3 minutes per game in 69 regular-season appearances.
With Anthony Edwards leading the way, Randle helped the team advance to the Western Conference finals before falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Still, the star forward’s play earned him a three-year, $100 million deal with Minnesota this summer, which includes a player option for the 2027-28 season.
While Randle’s Knicks tenure ended abruptly, his role in helping reestablish the team as a contender shouldn’t be forgotten. Now, he has embraced a fresh start in Minnesota, and his growing connection with the team could prove critical to the Timberwolves’ long-term success.
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