NEW YORK -- Brooklyn Nets forward Julius Randle coming to the Nets in a trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves this offseason was one of the more surprising moves that happened throughout the NBA. Brooklyn has been looking to add talent to the roster following a 2025-26 season where they finished with a 20-62 record and regardless of how it happened, Randle is feeling good about being with the Nets.
"It's a business and things happen. But, when you’re somewhere where you’re really wanted, and you have that validation with an organization really appreciating you and what you bring to the table, it’s an incredible feeling," Randle said, per Brian Lewis of the New York Post. In the early days of the offseason, Randle was traded to the Nets along with the No. 28 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft (forward Joshua Jefferson) in exchange for just the No. 33 overall pick.
"It just drops the anxiety and the worry or the pressure. You feel like you can be your best self. So, from Day 1, I felt that: the support. I damn near get goose bumps just thinking about it because the support has been amazing," Randle continued, per Lewis. Given what the Timberwolves received from Brooklyn in the deal, Randle was seen as a salary-dump in the move, but it seems like that hasn't affected how he feels about his current team. Veterans, both players and coaches, around the league understand Randle's value on and off the court.
"Julius Randle had some great seasons in Minnesota, we'll see how that translates here. But, he played really good for the T-Wolves," Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse said of Randle prior to the Nets beating the 76ers 114-108 in their preseason matchup last week. "[He's] a tough in-and-out cover, right? Perimeter shooting improved off the bounces. Always really good. His back to the basket's always really good. So, it kind of gives them another veteran type go-to guy."
Through Brooklyn's three preseason games, Randle is averaging 13.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game while shooting 50.0% from the field and 50.0% from behind the three-point line in 21.0 minutes played per night. Randle will likely be the starter at power forward next to small forward Michael Porter Jr. and based off the former Kentucky Wildcat's comments, it seems like he's ready to do what it takes to win in Brooklyn.
This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Nets' Julius Randle discusses joining team via trade this offseason