Julius Randle has telling remark about his trade to Minnesota

Nov 8, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first half at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Mitchell Leff-USA TODAY Sports

Julius Randle seems quite pleased with the trade that is sending him from the New York Knicks to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Randle offered some telling comments about his involvement in the blockbuster trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to New York on Thursday. Randle made it very clear that he welcomed the move, calling it a “breath of fresh air” and emphasizing how he feels wanted in Minnesota.

“You want to be somewhere where you feel wanted. I feel wanted here,” Randle said, via Jamal Collier of ESPN. “At this point in my career, I’ve accomplished a lot of great things on an individual level, but I want to win a championship. This is a perfect opportunity to do that.

“It was a breath of fresh air. I’m excited to bring everything I’ve learned here over the past five years and help these guys out. My only thing here is I just want to help.”

Not too long ago, Randle was the Knicks’ centerpiece, but Jalen Brunson firmly seized that role from him last season. Some of that was down to injury, as Randle played in just 46 games last season. Still, there had been a lot of rumors about him as a possible trade chip, and that may have made him feel a bit devalued with the Knicks.

There have been suggestions that the other player the Timberwolves are adding in the deal is also quite pleased with the move.