"I feel wanted here"- Julius Randle subtly shades Knicks in first interview following unexpected trade

Earlier this week, the Kar-Anthony Towns/Julius Randle trade became official. During his introductory press conference with his new team, the former All-Star seemed to take a jab at the New York Knicks.

This move marked the end of a five-year run in New York for Randle. During his time there he led them to the playoffs and was an All-NBA caliber talent. Now, he finds himself joining forces with one of the league's top young stars in Anthony Edwards.

While addressing the media for the first time as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Julius Randle is fully embracing the situation. He also made sure to note that he feels wanted with his new team.

"For me, being here is super important," Randle told reporters Thursday. "You want to be somewhere where you're wanted. I feel wanted here. ... Ultimately, yeah, I do want to be here."

Randle is coming off an All-Star campaign with the Knicks in 2024 but missed most of the year due to injury. In the 46 games he did appear in, he averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists.

Not only is the 29-year-old looking to have a bounce-back year, but he'll attempt to aid the Timberwolves in their quest to get back to the Western Conference finals.

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Julius Randle poised on helping keep the Timberwolves in the NBA title hunt

Fresh off a playoff run that saw them within an arm's reach of the finals, many were shocked to see the Timberwolves trade Karl-Anthony Towns. Upon having time to reflect on the move, Julius Randle has laid out a clear set of goals with his new team.

For Randle, the primary objective is to help deliver a championship to Minnesota. As a veteran, he also wants to help on-the-rise players such as Anthony Edwards and Naz Reid.

“It was a breath of fresh air,” Randle said. “I’m excited to bring everything I learned there over the past five years and help these guys out. My only thing here is I just want to help. I want to help Ant, I want to help Rudy, Naz all these guys, I want to help win a championship. So that’s the only thing that matters.”

It will certainly be a new look for the Timberwolves, but Julius Randle can be an impactful addition to the roster. As a do-it-all forward, he'll provide a different dynamic in the frontcourt that Minnesota didn't have with KAT.

Teething trouble after a move like this are a given, but overall, the revamped Wolves still have a very talented roster. Armed with star-caliber players and depth off the bench, they should remain in a strong position to contend in the Western Conference.