End of Julius Randle's Knicks tenure: darkest moment, blockbuster trade to Timberwolves
Randle details a difficult final season with New York and his path to Minnesota, including a battle with depression and a support network that aided his recovery.
The Knicks’ Julius Randle era effectively ended on Oct. 2, when New York traded him and Donte DiVincenzo to Minnesota for Karl-Anthony Towns. The deal closed after a season-ending dislocated right shoulder in January 2024 against the Miami Heat sidelined him, a setback that came as the Knicks climbed toward title contention and reached the Eastern Conference semifinals. Across five seasons with the Knicks, Randle averaged 22.6 points and 9.9 rebounds per game.
Notes from The Athletic describe a period of isolation and struggle for Randle after the injury as the team found success without him. He reportedly withdrew from close relationships and battled depression and anxiety, turning to marijuana for relief and spending rehab periods in a private room at home away from family.
Randle says his wife Kendra noticed the weight of the moment and helped arrange support, including a meeting with psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen who helped him quit marijuana and adopt coping strategies for stress and depression. The couple discussed the changes they observed during the Knicks years and the steps taken to support his mental health.
Right before camp in 2024, the Knicks traded Randle and DiVincenzo to land Towns from Minnesota, ending his Knicks run. In five seasons with New York, Randle averaged 22.6 points and 9.9 rebounds per game and recalled that New York was an amazing place with moments at Madison Square Garden and plenty of meaningful connections, even as the job carried a heavy toll.
With Minnesota, Randle quickly adapted, averaging 18.7 points and 7.1 rebounds per game as the Timberwolves advanced to the Western Conference finals for the second straight year. Minnesota later extended the partnership with a three-year, $100 million contract in the offseason.
Now the summer and lead-up to the current season have felt very settled for Randle, who says he is happier with his career and family than in a long time.
Kendra noted that the trade ultimately allowed Julius to breathe and enjoy playing again, expressing relief at his improved balance after a period of chaos that affected him during his Knicks tenure.
