Former New York Knicks star Julius Randle has set a clear goal for his new chapter with the Brooklyn Nets: win an NBA championship. Speaking at an event in Brazil, the 31-year-old forward expressed his desire to build a title contender in Brooklyn, inspired by the Knicks' 2026 championship run he watched from afar after being traded. Randle joins a Nets team that closed its previous season with a 125-108 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on April 11, 2026, and had lost its final two games.
What did Julius Randle say about his Brooklyn Nets plans?
Julius Randle did not hold back his ambitions. "What the [Knicks] organization accomplished is great," said Randle, who played five seasons in New York. "Been a long time coming. Took a lot of hard years, a lot of different players, to build it up to what it was." He specifically mentioned winning an NBA championship as a primary plan. Randle was traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Nets two months ago, seeking a fresh start. When asked about his part in the Knicks' earlier resurgence, he was humble. "Ah, no. I appreciate that," Randle stated, deflecting credit for New York's eventual title.
The Knicks traded Randle in September 2024 in a major deal that brought Karl-Anthony Towns to New York. Towns became a central figure in the Knicks' 2026 championship. Randle, meanwhile, spent two seasons with the Timberwolves, reaching the 2025 Western Conference Finals and the 2026 second round. He brings a proven track record to Brooklyn, coming off a regular season averaging 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. His physical playmaking style will be a new weapon for head coach Jordi Fernandez.
How does Nets head coach view the Julius Randle addition?
Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez is thrilled to add Randle's experience to his roster. Fernandez believes the three-time All-Star will immediately raise the team's competitive level. "Julius is an established, all-star playoff player, a player that is going to come here and show everybody else how it's done," Fernandez said on the Nets' "The Bridge" video series. "I'm very excited to get to coach him, and for him to raise the floor." Fernandez sees Randle as a potential primary focal point on offense, a role he thrived in with the Knicks.
This move is about guiding the rebuilding Nets back to relevance. Randle could serve as a long-term foundation piece or become a valuable trade asset before his 2027 player option. His veteran presence is needed for a team that finished its last five games with a 2-3 record (LLWWL). The Nets have no reason to lose games intentionally next season because the Houston Rockets control swap rights to Brooklyn's 2027 first-round pick. You can track the team's progress and upcoming challenges on our standings and schedule pages.
What is the challenge for the Brooklyn Nets this season?
The path won't be easy. Brooklyn faces a brutal schedule early, playing seven of its first nine games against teams that were in the 2025-26 playoffs or play-in tournament. The Eastern Conference has also gotten stronger this offseason. Randle won't be alone in the effort. The Nets drafted dynamic combo guard Mikel Brown Jr. With the No. 6 overall pick and signed free agents Keon Ellis and Moritz Wagner. He'll share the ball with Michael Porter Jr., who nearly made the All-Star team last season.
Randle's championship declaration sets a high bar. The Nets' recent form, including that late-season loss to Milwaukee, shows how much ground they need to cover. His performance will be a key metric for the team's success. Fans can follow his and the team's stats throughout the season on our dedicated stats page. The integration of new talent and Randle's leadership will determine if Brooklyn can turn his championship plans into reality.
