MINNEAPOLIS— For Julius Randle and Keita Bates-Diop, the move from the New York Knicks to the Minnesota Timberwolves is a homecoming of sorts.
Along with Donte DiVincenzo, the two former Knicks come to the Wolves as part of a package for Karl-Anthony Townsa great franchise that was well-loved in Minnesota even if it never reached superstar status.
“One of the best players to ever put on a Timberwolves jersey,” said Wolves President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly. “We do not act lightly with a person like KAT.”
For Randle, the move marks a reunion with head coach Chris Finchwho was the associate head coach in New Orleans when Randle played for the Pelicans. He averaged 21.4 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists that year.
“I’m extremely excited,” Randle said. “When I left Finch in New Orleans, I wanted him with me in New York because he was such a great coach. I always thought he was a genius… That was the easiest my game ever felt, playing under Finch.”
Bates-Diop, meanwhile, returns to the team that drafted him in 2018.
“It feels a little bit different, obviously we’re winning a little bit more than the last time I was here,” Bates-Diop said. “There is a winning culture, there is a goal in mind and I am happy to be a part of it.”
The sharp-shooting DiVincenzo doesn’t have the same connection, but the Wolves have long pursued him. He said he’s “super excited” to be working on a team where he feels wanted.
“Whatever this season brings, my confidence is at an all-time high,” he said. “My coaches, my teammates, they all have confidence in me.”
All three players said they are willing to do whatever it takes to help the Wolves win.
“At this point in my career, I have accomplished a lot of great things on an individual level,” Randle said, “but I want to win a championship and this is a perfect opportunity to do that.”
