Julius Randle not ready to take part in a losing organization after being traded from Minnesota to Brooklyn this summer, writes Andrew Crane of The New York Post.
Crane notes that expectations are low Networkswho finish the season 20-62 and have an over/under of 24.5 wins at BetMGM. With seven first-round picks from the past two drafts on the roster, the team is clearly more focused on the future than immediate success. But Randle, who played in the playoffs with the Timberwolves, is determined to change that view.
“Whatever your expectations are, whatever expectations you place on us, we will exceed them and do everything to a very high standard.” Randle said Saturday at his youth basketball camp in Brooklyn. “We will build, come with the right habits every day, and we will do exactly that.”
The addition of Randle, a terrific scorer and skilled 3-pointer, gives the Nets another veteran scorer to team up with Michael Porter Jr Randle has also been solid for most of his career, appearing in 79 games last season, averaging 21.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 33 minutes per night.
He’s looking forward to teaming up with Porter, who had a career-best season in his first year in Brooklyn. Randle said he spoke with Porter often after the trade and believes the two “really complement each other.”
“I told him that I like playing with players like him because of how well he can space the floor,” Randle said. “He likes big shots, big shots, and they always seem to know exactly where to be. He does it at a very high level, so I’m excited.”
Randle also enjoys returning to New York, where he spent five seasons with the Knicks before being traded in 2024. He made three All-Star appearances with their current cross-town rivals and helped spark a resurgence that eventually led to a title in 2026.
With a $35.8 million player option for next summer, it’s entirely possible that Randle’s time in Brooklyn will be short. He said he’s not worried about his next contract right now, and he’s also trying to avoid trade rumors. He’s focused on helping the Nets and trying to achieve the rare feat of having two teams in one city.
“(Coming back) was actually kind of refreshing because I’ve lived here for five years, but it felt like a new beginning.” Randle said. “And I was like a beginner again.”
