Julius Randle was left behind in New York.  The rumbles of a trade that involved him and Dote DiVincenzo being shipped to the Timberwolves brought success for both teams. Both the Knicks and the Wolves made the conference finals. But for Randle, the shift to Minnesota changed his life. As one would expect, the person who could notice it the most was his wife, Kendra.

The Big Apple was where Randle evolved into a coveted star. But he also recalls the end as being his “darkest moment,”. Kendra Randle recalled how reserved he was, even when away from basketball. “As a wife, I could just see it weighing on him, and he would come home and just not be present,” she told The Athletic. And although not sure if Minnesota would be a long stop, Julius Randle found his place.

He’s now an integral part of the Timberwolves, starring alongside Anthony Edwards. With help from a professional who helped him battle difficulties, Kendra Randle saw her husband’s eyes glitter again. “He brought it back out of him, this calmness. Even with the kids, the craziness day to day, he’s just back to who he was before. It’s really amazing to me,” she admitted about the move to Minnesota.

Randle’s life at home improved tremendously. He found stability being with the Timberwolves. But don’t let that forget the role he played in the Knicks’ ascent. The 30-year-old averaged at least 24 points in his last season with the Knicks. Furthermore, he helped them win a playoff series for the first time in 10 years. Julius Randle’s time with the Knicks, from 2019 to 2024, started as a turnaround for the struggling franchise, with Randle becoming a star, winning the Most Improved Player Award, and earning All-Star selections while helping the Knicks reach the playoffs.

Randle joined the Knicks in 2019, a time when the team had been struggling for years. He quickly became the team’s centerpiece, blossoming into a go-to star, making his first All-Star team, and winning the Most Improved Player Award in the 2020-21 season. Of course, his time at the franchise did not end in the best way, with his final season marred by injury, depression, and a feeling of isolation as the team found success without him as he recuperated from injuries.

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In Randle’s absence, Jalen Brunson emerged as the Knicks’ pristine star, earning the captain’s mantle. In the wave of Brunson’s emergence, Julius Randle became the target of criticism due to some inconsistent performances. “You know how New York is, man. You’re under a different microscope,” he said about playing for the Knicks.

However, despite a tough tussle with the organization, Randle wouldn’t have changed the past.

Julius Randle wouldn’t take back his time in New York

Being in New York means a player is evaluated with the expectation of perfection. Julius Randle suffered the side effects of the same. Notably, he relied on marijuana as a self-medication. His darkest phase was also attributed to “watching TV in a dark room”. But for his development, New York was an essential stop.

“New York was an amazing time. It was a great place. I loved it. I had a lot of great moments there and great experiences and met a lot of great people and played a lot of great games. You get to play in the Garden, you know? Have all those experiences,” Randle professed.

It was through those struggles that Julius Randle learned the importance of mental health. Dr. Daniel Amen was the psychiatrist who helped him find some balance and get rid of any detrimental practices. Furthermore, Minnesota has embraced him with open arms, too.

Edwards, although a cornerstone, implores Randle to be himself. Their dynamic took them back to the WCF. The Timberwolves responded by offering him a three-year $100 million extension. For now, it stamps Julius Randle as a long-term counterpart to Ant-Man. His joy for the game and life has also rejuvenated since the move. So now he defends another badge, but with the same vigor and passion he had in New York.

“I’m the type of person that wants to see everything through,” he told Dr. Amen while appearing on a podcast. The Timberwolves came just one step away from having a chance at doing so. The expectations for the new season remain the same, even though the team has seen some changes. But rest assured, they know that Julius Randle is pumped and at his happiest being with the franchise.

With him and Edwards back for another season and learning more about each other, the Timberwolves have a chance at seeing things through.