While the NBA world has been eagerly awaiting whether or not Giannis Antetokounmpo gets traded on Monday night, the Minnesota Timberwolves decided to break the ice early.

According to Shams Charania of ESPN and numerous other reporters, the Minnesota Timberwolves have traded Julius Randle and the number 28 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft to the Brooklyn Nets in a three-team trade that also sends Nicolas Claxton to the Chicago Bulls. The Timberwolves will also acquire the Nets' number 33 pick.

While Randle had a very shaky 2026 NBA playoffs for the Timberwolves, he was the key to the team beating both the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors in the 2025 NBA playoffs. However, it looks like the team is ready to pull the plug.

Simply put, it looks like the Minnesota Timberwolves did not want to pay Julius Randle. The big man was due to earn $33 million in the 2026-27 NBA season and a $35 million player option in the 2027-28 NBA season. He was in the midst of a three-year, $100 million contract that Minnesota seemed not to want to pay for anymore.

During the regular season, Randle averaged 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists on 48/32/80 shooting from the field. During the playoffs, he averaged 16.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists on 39/24/74 shooting from the field.

With the significant drop-off Randle had on the court during the postseason, it seems as though the Timberwolves have decided to pay Ayo Dosunmu instead of him.

It's important to note that Ayo Dosunmu is also expected to be an unrestricted free agent next season, and it seems as though the Timberwolves will want to pay him.

One thing the Minnesota Timberwolves have been known for during the past few seasons has been their season. The team has managed to have multiple big men, whether it was Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle, Karl-Anthony Towns, or Naz Reid.

For as much as Randle struggled during these playoffs, his size was a very important part of their roster. Granted, the team wants to pay Ayo Dosunmu with Randle's money, but they'll also need another stretch big man to replace his presence. Early signs show that they may have Naz Reid fill that void.

Between Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Donte DiVincenzo, Ayo Dosunmu, Rudy Gobert, and Naz Reid, the Timberwolves have too much talent to fail without Julius Randle. However, one would have to imagine that the team isn't done making moves.