The Minnesota Timberwolves traded 31-year-old three-time NBA All-Star Julius Randle and the 28th overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft to the Brooklyn Nets on Monday, June 22, the night before the NBA draft began [1, 2, 3]. The Nets sent their 33rd overall pick to Minnesota as part of the deal [1, 2, 3].
Brooklyn then traded center Nic Claxton, who is 27, to the Chicago Bulls [1, 2, 3]. Claxton was signed for $23.3 million for the 2026-27 season and $21.1 million for 2027-28 [1, 2]. In exchange, the Bulls sent forward Mouhamadou Gueye to Minnesota, who reportedly will waive him [1].
Randle struggled in the Timberwolves’ second-round playoff loss to the San Antonio Spurs earlier in 2026, during which he averaged around 20 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 4.9 assists over two seasons with Minnesota [2, 3]. His salary for the upcoming 2026-27 season is $33.3 million, with a player option worth $35.8 million in 2027-28 [1, 2].
The trade generated a $33.3 million traded-player exception (TPE) for the Timberwolves, increasing their salary cap flexibility [2, 3]. This flexibility benefits guard Ayo Dosunmu, whom Minnesota acquired at the trade deadline and recently signed to a $112 million, five-year contract [2, 3].
The multi-team trade aims to balance salaries and roster needs across all three franchises. The draft picks involved will be used during the 2026 NBA Draft on June 23 [1, 2].
