BREAKING: Wolves Receives Huge Boost As Player Returns After 13-Game Absence

Timberwolves forward Julius Randle is set to return tonight against Phoenix after missing 13 games due to a right groin strain, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes (Twitter link).

Minnesota will welcome Randle’s return as the team fights for playoff positioning in the Western Conference. The Wolves have struggled in his absence, posting a 5-8 record and slipping into a tie for ninth place with a 32-29 record.

Randle, who last played on January 30, joined Minnesota in early October in a controversial trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks. In his first season with the Wolves, the 30-year-old forward has been productive, averaging 18.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists over 48 games while shooting 47% from the field and 32.1% from three-point range.

Adjusting to playing alongside Rudy Gobert has been a process for Randle, similar to what Towns experienced after Gobert arrived from Utah. Despite dealing with a shoulder injury that limited him to 46 games in 2023-24, Randle had been durable this season until the groin issue sidelined him.

His long-term future with Minnesota remains uncertain, as he holds a $30.9 million player option for 2025-26. While there was trade speculation ahead of last month’s deadline, the Wolves opted to keep him, leaving contract decisions for the offseason. Randle could either decline the option to explore free agency, pick it up for another season in Minnesota, or seek a long-term deal. His choice will significantly impact the team’s direction moving forward.

Meanwhile, Gobert, who has been out since February 12 with a back injury, is also expected to return soon, giving the Wolves a boost as they gear up for the playoff push.