Timberwolves ahead Julius Randle plans to return Sunday at Phoenix after lacking 13 video games with a proper groin pressure, sources inform NBA insider Chris Haynes.
It’s a much-needed enhance 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 Cities to New York. The 30-year-old large man has been a stable addition in his first season with Minnesota, averaging 18.9 factors, 7.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists via 48 video games whereas taking pictures 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 via the identical expertise after Gobert was acquired from Utah.
Randle has been in a position to 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 difficulty, he hadn’t missed a sport 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 difficulty this summer season.
Randle can both decline the choice and take a look at 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 significant affect on the Wolves’ offseason and the way forward for the franchise.
Gobert, who has been sidelined since February 12 with a again difficulty, can be anticipated to return quickly because the Wolves get more healthy for the stretch drive.
