Julius Randle reacts with 4 words after New York Knicks trade him to Minnesota Timberwolves

Two days after the New York Knicks unexpectedly traded Julius Randle to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the star forward issued a four-word reaction on social media.

On Friday, Randle, shooting guard Donte DiVincenzo and forward Keita Bates-Diop were shipped to Minnesota, with New York landing star big man Karl-Anthony Towns.

The Timberwolves also received a protected 2025 first-round pick via the Detroit Pistons. Meanwhile, the Knicks sent salary filler and draft compensation to the Charlotte Hornets to help facilitate the three-team deal.

The trade was agreed upon just three days before NBA Media Day and four days before the start of training camp, catching many off guard. It also shook up the NBA landscape, with two projected contenders swapping big-name players.

The move ended Randle's five-year Knicks tenure that began when he joined the franchise in 2019 free agency. Since then, the 2014 No. 7 draft pick has taken his career to another level, earning his first three All-Star selections and two All-NBA nods. Meanwhile, New York made three playoff appearances, winning two series.

While the deal isn't expected to be officially completed until later this week, Randle reacted on Instagram on Sunday. He posted a photograph of himself playing at Madison Square Garden, briefly thanking Knicks fans in his caption.

"NEW YORK! THANK YOU," Randle said.

Randle's post comes a day after his wife, Kendra Randle, posted an IG story expressing gratitude to the city of New York.

"Forever grateful for this experience. New York was amazing to our family," Kendra wrote.

"[Our Son] Kye Kye grew up in the garden. We got here when he was 1.5 years old, and this year he will be 8. So many of you embraced him/us and made this experience unforgettable, and I’m forever grateful. Bittersweet moment but so excited for a new, healthy chapter for our family."

Julius Randle is gearing up for his 11th season. Thus, he has spent half his career with the Knicks thus far. However, Minnesota will mark the fourth stop of his career, as he split his first five seasons between the LA Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans.

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Julius Randle joins Timberwolves squad looking to make franchise history

While Julius Randle seemingly wanted to remain in New York, he is set to join an upstart Minnesota team looking to continue its upward trajectory.

Last season, the third-seeded Timberwolves (56-26), led by rising superstar wing Anthony Edwards, made their first Western Conference finals appearance since 2004.

The organization has never secured an NBA Finals berth. Thus, Randle has an opportunity to help lead Minnesota to unprecedented heights as Edwards' wingman.

The Timberwolves may take a step back from their top-ranked defensive rating last season (108.4). However, Randle and Donte DiVincenzo could give the squad an offensive boost after it finished only 17th in offensive rating (114.6).

Over 46 outings last season, Randle averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.7 3-pointers per game, shooting 47.2%.

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