The Minnesota Timberwolves have traded forward Julius Randle and the No. 28 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft to the Brooklyn Nets, receiving the 33rd pick in return. The deal, reported by multiple outlets including The New York Times and ESPN, is part of a three-team agreement that also involves the Chicago Bulls.
Chicago is set to use $23.1 million of its cap space to facilitate the transaction, according to Yahoo Sports. The move allows Minnesota to shed Randle's salary while acquiring a lower first-round pick, signaling a shift in the team's roster strategy.
Brooklyn acquires Randle, a three-time All-Star, and a late first-round selection. The Nets gain a proven scorer but take on a significant contract, as Randle is owed $28.9 million for the 2025-26 season with a player option for 2026-27.
The Bulls' role as a salary dump partner suggests they are positioning for future cap flexibility. For Minnesota, the trade clears room to pursue other roster moves, though losing Randle's offensive production creates a void in the frontcourt.
ESPN reported that Nets center Nic Claxton is heading to Chicago in a related deal, though full details of that move remain unconfirmed. The draft picks exchanged may shift depending on final terms.