Julius Randle to the Nets in a Three-Team Deal That Reshapes the East

The Minnesota Timberwolves just pulled off a move that changes their payroll and their rotation in one shot. Julius Randle is heading to the Brooklyn Nets as part of a three-team trade that also sends Nic Claxton to the Chicago Bulls, according to ESPN.

The Timberwolves are sending Randle to Brooklyn and swapping picks with the Nets in the process. Minnesota gives up the 28th pick in the draft and gets back pick 33. That might not sound like a huge jump, but it clears cap space the Wolves need to keep guard Ayo Dosunmu and use those traded player exceptions to build out the roster around Anthony Edwards.

What the Bulls Get

Chicago takes on the $44 million remaining on Claxton’s contract over the next two years. That’s a big number, but they get a rim-running big who can defend the paint and finish lobs. He should help new head coach Tiago Splitter right away on the defensive end. The Bulls have been looking for an interior presence and Claxton fits that.

Why the Nets Did This

Brooklyn had been hunting for another pick in this year’s draft. They wanted to speed up their rebuild and get competitive again in the Eastern Conference. Now they land a veteran star in Randle and they still hold the 6th and 28th picks in Tuesday’s draft. That gives them a proven scorer to build around and two cracks at adding young talent.

Randle is a three-time All-Star who can score inside and out. He struggled with consistency last season but he’s still a guy who can carry an offense for stretches. The Nets are betting that a fresh start and a clear role will bring back the version of Randle that averaged 25 points and 10 rebounds two seasons ago.

The Timberwolves, meanwhile, are all in on building around Anthony Edwards. Moving Randle’s salary lets them be more flexible going forward. They can re-sign Dosunmu and use the exceptions to add shooting and depth. It’s a clear direction. No half-measures.

This is a developing story and more details are expected to come out soon. The draft is Tuesday and this could be just the first domino to fall.