All-Star Anthony Edwards' perceived shot at former Minnesota Timberwolves foward Julius Randle, his former, many wondered if the big man's moody approach last season was a contributing factor to his trade to the Brooklyn Nets over the summer. Others believe Timberwolves coach Chris Finch's subtle jab at Randle while talking about adding LaMelo Ball as a means of improving Edwards' game on both ends of the floor.
For one insider, Randle contributed to a moody Timberwolves locker room, as did Naz Reid, according to The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski.
“Everyone immediately looks at Julius Randle and he is certainly one of the culprits… They could be Eeyore every once in a while… Julius certainly was a part of that when his name got brought up in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade talks. He didn't really like that at all and he wears his heart on his sleeve, so you could see that.
“But Naz Reid could get moody, Jaden McDaniels could get moody. Like, there's a lot of quiet, brooding personalities that were in the locker room last year. You bring LaMelo Ball in here and he's much more upbeat and energetic, so there's definitely been a vibe shift.”
Article Continues BelowJulius Randle was "one of the culprits" behind Minnesota’s moody locker room last season, per @JonKrawczynski
“Everyone immediately looks at Julius Randle and he is certainly one of the culprits… They could be Eeyore every once in a while… Julius certainly was a part of… pic.twitter.com/N1TjqYdJUU
— NBABase (@TheNBABase) October 14, 2026
LaMelo Ball helped lead the Charlotte Hornets to their first 44+ win season in a decade. The Timberwolves traded Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets as part of a three-team swap with the Chicago Bulls that included Naz Read heading to the Hornets in exchange for Ball, Josh Green, and a 2026 second-round pick (Isaiah Evans).
The Timberwolves defeated the New York Knicks 122-104 on Monday. Edwards finished with 26 points, three rebounds, three assists, and one steal. Ball added 10 points, seven assists, and three rebounds.