In Minneapolis on Monday night, Timberwolves coach Chris Finish made a veiled criticism that seemed to be directed at Julius Randle. He said that Minny had traded “moodiness for giddiness.” Although Finch didn’t name names, the general belief was he was talking about exchanging Randle (moodiness) for LaMelo Ball (giddiness.)
The two were not traded directly for one another. The Nets got Randle along with a late first for Nic Claxton and a high second in what was a salary dump just before the Draft. Then that deal was folded into a previously agreed trade that brought Ball over from Charlotte for Naz Reid and picks.
And as Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic reported, two other players Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels were also seen as moody and were also dispatched. Moreover, Finch had noted a week ago that he had mismanaged Randle’s role in the Minnesota offense. “That was on me,” he admitted.
Still the message was clear … and controversial. Finch is happy with the exchange. Randle, who has yet to have an opportunity to respond, is happy too in Brooklyn. He’s said so more than once. Despite what others might think of his personality, Randle is a force to be reckoned with. As we’ve noted, over the past eight seasons, he’s averaged 21.7 points, 8.9 rebounds and played in an average of 68 games, including 79 last season. No NBA player can match that distinction. Moreover, during that span, the 31-year-old was voted Most Improved Player (2021), selected to the All-Star Game three times (2021, 2023, 2024) and was named All-NBA twice (2021 and 2023.)
A big reason for the difference between Minnesota and Brooklyn is that the player and team need each other and his head coach here makes no excuses. Jordi Fernandez likes Julius Randle.
“Yeah, absolutely. It’s incredible, man,” Randle told The Post about his reception in Brooklyn. “Everybody knows it’s a business and things happen. But when you’re somewhere where you’re really wanted, and you have that validation with an organization really appreciating you and what you bring to the table, it’s an incredible feeling.
“It just drops the anxiety and just the worry or the pressure. You just feel like you can be your best self. So, from Day 1, I felt that: the support. I damn near get goose bumps just thinking about it, because the support has been amazing. I’m loving every part of it. I appreciate them just as much as they appreciate me.”
Randle also told Brian Lewis that he believes he is in his prime, capable of a career year like the ones Fernandez has coaxed out of Dennis Schroder, Cam Johnson and of course he current teammate and frontcourt partner, Michael Porter Jr.
“Yeah, I feel like I’m the best I’ve ever been in my career. I’m in a perfect situation to play my best under Jordi,” Randle said. “Accumulation of wisdom and continuing to improve every year, I’m at my best version of myself that I’ve been in my career, and I’m excited to be able to utilize that under Jordi and help this team.”
Fernandez already sees just how he can take advantage of Randle’s game, particularly his passing ability.
“I think that this could be [Julius’] best playmaking year,” Fernandez has said. “He’s proven that he’s a very efficient player at very different levels. Seasons with the Knicks when he shot eight-plus threes, seasons where he’s isolated more, been in the pick-and-roll more, [he’s shown] his ability to playmake. And you put all those things together, for me as a coach, being able to use somebody in many different ways, it makes my life easier. I think that he will make his teammates better.”
Indeed, in the Nets win over the Wizards two nights ago, he racked up nine assists in the first half.
“[Julius’] ability to throw the ball on time and on target to his teammates is unbelievable,” Fernandez said post-game, as Erik Slater wrote Wednesday. “Nine assists in one half of basketball is not something many players can do. I haven’t seen it many times in my life. I think the only one I’ve seen is Nikola [Jokic].”
Fernandez doesn’t seem to be bothered by any perceived moodiness.
The Kentucky product and Plano, Texas native is also just happy to be back in New York City. He didn’t want to be traded after beforc he was traded two years ago for Karl-Anthony Towns, he was a big piece for the Knicks. Prior to his arrival in 2019-20, the Knicks had not made the play-offs since 2012-13. He missed out on a ring but was a big part of the Manhattanites’ return to relevance.
Now, he says, he wants to do it again in the Big Apple, this time across the river.
“Sean [Marks] brought me here because of that, because it was time to win. So, that’s just what it is,” Randle said. “I’m not here to lose. I don’t think anybody’s here to lose this year. So, yeah.
“We definitely want to be a team that goes out there and competes every single night. We’re playing to win. That’s as simple as I can put it. I don’t play to lose. … At this point in my career I’m playing to win and give ourselves a chance to win every single night, take the right steps every single day and see where that takes us.”
And of course his pre-season comment to rookie Mikel Jones Jr. that the Nets will “shock the world” has been adopted as the team mantra.
In his story on Finch’s comments, Kaczynski noted that one big issue for Randle in Minny was the constant rumors that he was on the block, specifically in proposals that would have brought Giannis Antetokounmpo to the T’Wolves. He told Lewis that was not the case. Instead, he said it was more the fatigue of 2,610 minutes —12th in the league — over 79 games and a late hand injury (two broken fingers) that was the big issue.
“The trade stuff is always tough,” Randle said. “But it’s at a point in my career where I’m used to it. You know every year it’s going to be something or some type of rumor, so that really wasn’t it. More than anything for me, I tried to challenge myself last year, playing every game.”
As for moodiness vs. giddiness debate, Randle will get his chance to respond to Finch on the court early in the season. The Nets will travel to Minneapolis on November 23.
- Julius Randle wanted — and needed — this trade to rebuilding Nets ($) – Brian Lewis – New York Post
- Nets’ Jordi Fernandez projects Julius Randle to make career-best improvement in key area – Erik Slater – Clutch Points
- Nets’ Julius Randle discusses joining team via trade this offseason – Shareef Phillips-Keaton – USA TODAY
