Julius Randle's game status for Timberwolves vs. 76ers

Although a Julius Randle trade was increasingly expected as the New York Knicks thrived in his absence last season, the Minnesota Timberwolves' blockbuster deal with Atlantic Division rival Philadelphia 76ers still sent shockwaves across the NBA.

Now Randle is a member of the Timberwolves after spending the last few seasons playing for the Knicks.

With just one preseason game under his belt, Randle has yet to qualify for the Timberwolves. As he continues to recover from a shoulder injury that ended his season early last year, Randle is patiently waiting for his opportunity to get back on the field and join his new teammates.

The Timberwolves are not expected to debut Randle on Friday night. According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia InquirerRandle is excluded.

Randle is ending his five-year career in New York. He made it to the Knicks in 2019 after spending one season with the New Orleans Pelicans. Randle maintained a starting position with the Knicks and eventually became the team's star at some point.

With the Knicks, Randle earned All-Star honors three times. He was All-NBA Second Team once and was named All-NBA Third Team in 2023. His improvements during the 2021 season helped Randle earn the Most Improved Player award.

The Philadelphia 76ers on SI The show is available on streaming platforms Spotify, Apple and Amazon.

Last season, the Knicks had the opportunity to play Randle for 46 games. With an average playing time of 35 minutes, Randle scored 24 points per game while shooting 47 percent from the field. In addition to his scoring efforts, Randle grabbed nine rebounds per game and dished out five assists per game.

Randle is now evolving from a question mark with the Knicks to a key player with a Western Conference contender in Minnesota. He joins a star-studded cast that also includes Rudy Gobert and Anthony Edwards.

More 76s on SI

76ers vs New Zealand Breakers game reactions

Jared McCain reacts to his NBA preseason debut

Paul George sat out the 76ers vs. Breakers game

Joel Embiid sits for 76ers vs. Breakers