The Timberwolves’ $100 million decision looks better every day

Over the summer, Julius Randle re-signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves on a three-year, $100 million deal. At the time, the deal seemed like incredible value, as Randle is clearly better than the 61st best player, as his contract suggests. Additionally, Randle signing a cheaper deal allowed the Wolves to re-sign Naz Reid. However, as time has passed, Randle’s contract has aged even better than originally expected.

Randle is averaging 22.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.8 assists on 49/33.9/81.4 shooting splits. Adjusted to a new team, Randle had a somewhat down year last season, averaging 18.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.7 assists on 48.5/34.4/80.6 shooting splits. This allowed the Wolves to re-sign him at a lower price. Nevertheless, Randle showed his tremendous value in the playoffs and in the latter part of the regular season.

Randle’s shot creation and playmaking undoubtedly make him an ideal co-star alongside Anthony Edwards. To find such a high-level co-star at this price is an absolute feat in the modern NBA.

Julius Randle’s impact far exceeds his contract

It’s no coincidence that since trading for Randle, the Wolves have had a top-10 offense the past two years – something they’d never experienced before in the Edwards era. Additionally, the Wolves’ offense is 16.4 points per 100 possessions better with Randle on the court, which again is no coincidence.

I don’t want to turn this entire article into a Randle Karl-Anthony Towns comparison. However, Randle gives the Wolves more shot creation and playmaking ability than Towns, while being $25 million cheaper on an annual basis. Additionally, the Wolves got Donte DiVincenzo in this deal, which has proven to be extremely valuable.

As one of the best scorers in the league, Edwards receives an absurd amount of pressure from opposing defenses. This makes Randle’s ability to create for himself and others all the more valuable. Notably, Randle ranks in the top 15 for isolation points per game. His bully style of play exposes mismatches and allows the Wolves to score efficiently at the rim.

Randle’s last performance with 28 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists against the Cleveland Cavaliers is the perfect example of his impact.

Playmaking is the most underrated aspect of Randle’s game. With the Wolves’ starting five operating without a traditional point guard, Randle is essential to their point guard-by-committee approach.

He leads the team in assists (5.8) and gives the Wolves offense some added versatility. Randle is an elite passer on drive-and-kick plays. However, the Wolves also run plays with him in the high post or set up the attack at the top of the key, like a classic PG. Randle’s versatile playmaking is central to the Wolves’ attacking success, and it helps create opportunities for Edwards.

Ultimately, Randle is a great co-star, and he is one of the best value contracts in the entire NBA.