Detroit Lakes , MN (KDLM) – The Minnesota Timberwolves reshaped their roster on the eve of the NBA Draft, trading away forward Julius Randle and using the freed-up salary room to re-sign guard Ayo Dosunmu.
Minnesota sent Randle to the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night as part of a three-team deal that also involved the Chicago Bulls, who acquired center Nic Claxton from Brooklyn. In the swap, the Timberwolves sent their 28th overall pick to the Nets and received the 33rd overall pick in return — a move down five spots that lands early in the second round. Minnesota also took on forward Mouhamadou Gueye from Chicago, a player the team is expected to waive.
The trade cleared roughly $33 million in cap space, money the Wolves immediately put toward keeping Dosunmu. The guard agreed to a five-year deal worth $112 million, with a player option in the fifth year. Minnesota acquired Dosunmu from the Bulls at this past season’s trade deadline, and he averaged 14.5 points and 3.5 assists in 24 regular season games with the Wolves.
Randle, a three-time All-Star, spent two up-and-down seasons in Minnesota. He averaged 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game last season but struggled in the playoffs before the move, as the Wolves looked to retool following consecutive postseason exits.
The first round of the NBA Draft is Tuesday night in Brooklyn, with the second round Wednesday.
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!
