Timberwolves ahead Julius Randle plans to return Sunday at Phoenix after lacking 13 video games with a proper groin pressure, sources tell NBA insider Chris Haynes.
It’s a much-needed increase for Minnesota, which is locked in a decent race for playoff positioning within the West. The Wolves went 5-8 throughout Randle’s absence and have fallen right into a tie for eighth place at 32-29.
Randle, who hasn’t performed since January 30, was acquired from the Knicks in early October in a controversial commerce that despatched Karl-Anthony Towns to New York. The 30-year-old massive man has been a stable addition in his first season with Minnesota, averaging 18.9 factors, 7.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists by 48 video games whereas capturing 47 % from the sector and 32.1 % from three-point vary.
There was an adjustment course of for Randle whereas studying to play alongside Rudy Gobert, however Cities went by the identical expertise after Gobert was acquired from Utah.
Randle has been capable of bounce again from the shoulder damage that restricted him to 46 video games in 2023-24 and ended his season early. Earlier than the groin situation, he hadn’t missed a recreation since coming to Minnesota.
Randle’s future with the Wolves past this season stays unsure, as he holds a $30.9M participant possibility for 2025-26. There was some commerce chatter main as much as the deadline, however the Wolves determined to carry onto him and cope with the contract situation this summer time.
Randle can both decline the choice and check free company, train it and commit to 1 extra season in Minnesota or attempt to parlay it right into a long-term contract. No matter his resolution, it’s going to have a serious impression on the Wolves’ offseason and the way forward for the franchise.
Gobert, who has been sidelined since February 12 with a again situation, can be anticipated to return quickly because the Wolves get more healthy for the stretch drive.
