Several cap strategists from competing teams have advised Jake Fischer of The Stein Line that Julius Randle may be better off exercising the $30.9 million player option he holds for the 2025/26 season.
Randle, who has struggled with injuries in recent years and seen a dip in his performance since joining Minnesota, is viewed as unlikely to secure a similar salary on the open market if he decides to enter free agency.
Given his recent injury history and decreased production, opting for the guaranteed money through his player option could provide financial security for the veteran forward rather than risking a potentially lower contract value in free agency.
Randle has played 11 seasons for 4 teams, including the Knicks and Lakers. He has averaged 19.1 points, 9.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 689 regular-season games.
He was selected to play in 3 All-Star games and has won 1 Most Improved Player award.
Wolves Rumors: Durant, Randle, Reid, Alexander-Walker https://t.co/431MX0ebTU pic.twitter.com/71GfaEc3C0
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 24, 2025
