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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.
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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.
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“It just drops the anxiety and just…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/julius-randle-chance-renewal-vindication-163919807.html
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Publish date : 2026-10-14 16:39:00
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