Minnesota has made one of the biggest moves ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft, sending Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets as part of a blockbuster three-team trade that also involves the Chicago Bulls.
The deal was reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania on the eve of the draft, which takes place tomorrow, June 23. While the full details of the transaction are still emerging, the main framework of the trade is now known.
It is a significant decision from Minnesota, which is moving on from a former All-Star while creating greater flexibility around franchise centerpiece Anthony Edwards.
Minnesota moves on from Julius Randle one day before the NBA Draft
According to Charania, the Timberwolves are sending Randle and the No. 28 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft to the Brooklyn Nets.
Minnesota will receive the No. 33 overall pick in return, while the Chicago Bulls land Nets center Nic Claxton as part of the three-team agreement.
- Minnesota Timberwolves receive: 2026 Second-Round Pick (No. 33)
- Brooklyn Nets receive: Julius Randle, 2026 First-Round Pick (No. 28)
- Chicago Bulls receive: Nic Claxton
Randle’s stint in Minnesota comes to an end after he averaged 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists across 79 games during the 2025-26 season.
The three-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA forward now heads to Brooklyn, where the Nets are using their cap space to add an established scorer while also acquiring an additional first-round selection.
With the NBA Draft now less than 24 hours away, this trade could be one of the first major dominoes to fall during what is expected to be a busy week across the league.
Why the Timberwolves believe this trade helps Anthony Edwards
The move appears to be about more than simply exchanging draft positions. By moving the remaining years on Randle’s contract, Minnesota creates significant financial flexibility heading into the future.
That added flexibility could help the Timberwolves retain key contributors, including Ayo Dosunmu, while also giving the front office more options to improve the roster around Edwards.
Edwards has firmly established himself as the face of the franchise, and this trade signals Minnesota’s intention to continue shaping the roster around the superstar guard as the team pursues championship contention.
The Bulls also add a valuable piece through the deal. Claxton averaged 11.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 69 games for Brooklyn during the 2025-26 season and gives Chicago an experienced starting-caliber center entering his prime.
As is often the case with draft-week trades, additional details could emerge over the coming days. Potential protections, future considerations or other elements attached to the deal may not be fully known immediately.
For now, though, Minnesota has made a major roster decision before draft night, moving on from Randle while creating additional flexibility to continue building around Anthony Edwards.
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