"He was annoying" - Timberwolves' latest $33 million acquisition describes challenge of going up against JJ Redick as Lakers' coach

Julius Randle and the Minnesota Timberwolves are set to play the LA Lakers for the first preseason game tonight. Ahead of their match, the former Lakers forward had some high compliments for the team's new head coach, JJ Redick.

He cited the former NBA player as one of the more underrated competitors and expected him to be the same as a coach.

Randle will play the 2024-25 NBA season with the Wolves after the New York Knicks traded him before media day. He was traded, along with Donte DiVincenzo, for Karl-Anthony Towns. Now that the trade has been finalized, the All-Star forward is set to play against the Lakers and their new coach.

When asked how Redick was as a player, Randle had an interesting way of describing the former college standout.

​

"He was annoying," Randle said. "But he was a hell of a player. Obviously, hell of a shooter and an underrated aspect of him, he was a competitor."

Because he was annoying, Randle saw how Redick was motivated to compete at the highest level.

​

"He was a guy that -- like I said, annoying. Because he was so competitive and driven out there. He played with a chip on his shoulder, I would imagine a coach like that as well. Everything I know about JJ, he's extremely smart, high IQ. He's gonna be a hell of a coach in this league for a long time."

Even though Redick and Randle were never teammates, Randle could still see Redick's competitive spirit from his playing days.

Randle is on the third year of his four-year, $117 million contract. This season, he's set to earn $33 million and is eligible for a contract extension. While he was with the Knicks, he made no progress in signing an extension before he was traded. He expressed his desire to stay during his Thursday media day availability.

Randle staying in the Western Conference would mean that the Wolves have enough firepower to compete against the Lakers.

---

Randle wants to stay with the Timberwolves

Randle has the option to sign a new deal with the Timberwolves, as he's eligible for a contract extension. He expressed his interest in staying in Minnesota despite not playing a single game for the team yet.

​

"So, for me, being here is super important," Randle said. "You want to be somewhere where you feel wanted, and I feel wanted here. Everybody has really embraced me. Ultimately, yeah, I do want to be here."

Randle has the option to wait until next season if he chooses to exercise his $30.9 million player option.

​