Julius Randle Signs $100M Extension with Timberwolves, Donates $25M to Kentucky Wildcats in Gratitude for NBA Success
Former Kentucky Wildcats standout and current NBA All-Star Julius Randle is making headlines both on and off the court.
The 30-year-old forward has officially signed a four-year, $100 million contract extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves, solidifying his role as a cornerstone for the franchise’s future.
But even more remarkable is the heartfelt gesture that accompanied the deal—Randle is donating $25 million to the University of Kentucky’s basketball program, a place he credits for shaping his path to NBA stardom.
Randle, who played one season at Kentucky under legendary head coach John Calipari, was instrumental in helping lead the Wildcats to the 2014 NCAA Championship game. Though they fell short in the final, Randle’s dominant presence in the paint and leadership on the floor elevated his draft stock. He declared for the NBA Draft soon after, and was selected 7th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Now more than a decade into his professional career, Randle has established himself as one of the league’s most consistent and versatile power forwards. After successful stints with the Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans, and New York Knicks, he joined the Timberwolves in a blockbuster trade last season. His impact was immediate—he averaged 21.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, helping Minnesota make a deep playoff run.
But Randle hasn’t forgotten where it all started.
In a statement released by the University of Kentucky, Randle said, “The University of Kentucky changed my life. Coach Cal, the staff, and the fans believed in me when I was just a kid with big dreams. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my time in Lexington. This donation is my way of saying thank you and making sure future Wildcats have the same opportunities I did.”
The $25 million donation will go toward expanding and renovating Kentucky’s basketball facilities, including upgrades to the Joe Craft Center, enhanced player development resources, and scholarship support for student-athletes. UK Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart called the gift “transformational,” and noted that it is one of the largest ever given by a former athlete in school history.
Coach John Calipari, who recruited Randle as part of one of Kentucky’s top-ranked classes, praised the gesture: “Julius has always been about family—his own, and the Big Blue Nation. This gift shows the kind of person he is. He’s giving back not just with words, but with action.”
Randle’s story is a powerful example of full-circle success. From a one-and-done college star to an NBA All-Star and now a philanthropic leader, he continues to build a legacy that reaches beyond basketball. With a fresh contract, a new chapter in Minnesota, and a major impact on his alma mater, Julius Randle is proving that greatness isn’t just measured in points and rebounds—it’s also found in gratitude and giving back.
