In a candid and deeply personal interview with the National Basketball Association’s official media outlet, former New York Knicks forward Julius Randle has finally opened up about his departure from New York and his transition to the Minnesota Timberwolves. For the first time since the high-profile move that sent shockwaves through the NBA, Randle pulled back the curtain on his emotional journey, revealing raw feelings about his years in the Big Apple and the challenges and clarity that came after leaving.
Randle, who played five seasons with the Knicks and served as the team’s cornerstone during a crucial rebuilding era, spoke passionately about his love for New York, the pressure of the spotlight, and the lessons he carried into his new chapter with Minnesota. “Playing in New York is like nowhere else,” Randle said. “You feel everything. Every mistake. Every win. Every cheer and every boo. But it made me grow up faster than anything else in my life.”
His tenure with the Knicks was marked by both brilliance and controversy. Randle earned an All-Star nod and led the team to the playoffs in 2021, becoming a fan favorite and symbol of hope for a city starving for basketball success. But that goodwill began to fade as performance inconsistencies and on-court frustrations surfaced, particularly during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, when the Knicks failed to advance past the second round.
“I gave everything I had to that jersey, but at a point, it felt like I wasn’t giving the fans what they wanted — and I wasn’t giving myself what I needed either,” Randle confessed. “I knew I had to make a change not just for basketball, but for my peace of mind.”
In 2024, Randle shocked the league by signing with the Minnesota Timberwolves, joining a young, hungry core that includes Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. Now, after a full season in Minnesota, Randle says he’s rediscovered his joy. “There’s a freedom here,” he explained. “I feel like I can just play the game again without constantly worrying about pleasing a million critics.”
While Randle expressed no regrets about his time in New York, he admitted the city’s intensity took a toll on his mental health. “There were nights I couldn’t sleep after bad games. Not because I didn’t care, but because I cared too much. I felt like I was letting the city down.”
Since joining the Timberwolves, Randle has averaged career-high numbers in efficiency and has played a critical role in leading Minnesota to a deep playoff run, further proving his value and versatility. The Timberwolves’ coaching staff has praised his leadership and maturity, calling him “the missing piece” in their postseason puzzle.
As for his relationship with Knicks fans, Randle remains hopeful. “I understand why some people were disappointed when I left. But I hope they remember the good times too. I’ll always have love for New York. That chapter changed me forever.”
Randle’s story is a powerful reminder of the human side of professional sports — the burden of expectation, the pain of criticism, and the courage it takes to chase happiness. While his time in New York has ended, Julius Randle’s next act in Minnesota is just beginning — and if his current trajectory continues, the NBA might soon witness the most impactful chapter of his career.