Bidding farewell to New York is “bittersweet” for Julius Randle and his family, but wife Kendra is looking ahead to a “new, healthy chapter” following Friday’s stunning Knicks-Timberwolves trade.
Taking to her Instagram Stories on Saturday, Kendra – who has been married to the 6-foot-8 forward-center for seven years— reflected on the memories made at Madison Square Garden as they map out a new beginning in Minnesota, where the Knicks dealt Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, DaQuan Jeffries and a first-round draft pick in exchange for four-time NBA All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns.
“Forever grateful for this experience. New York was amazing to our family,” Kendra began. “[Son] Kye Kye grew up in the garden. We got here when he was 1.5 years old and this year he will be 8. So many of you embraced him/us and made this experience unforgettable and I’m forever grateful. Bittersweet moment but so excited for a new, healthy chapter for our family.”
Kendra, the mother of two sons with Randle, 29, also re-posted a series of heartfelt messages from Knicks fans, including actor Ben Stiller.
“Grateful for his time here. He is an all star and we’re lucky to have had him. Wish him all the best in Minnesota, he is going to bring a lot of toughness and grit and dedication to that team and community,” Stiller concluded his lengthy X post, to which Kendra replied, “Well said thank you.”
Kendra’s message on Saturday follows a previous post from earlier in the day, an initial response to the blockbuster.
“Scary hours: Minnesota here we come,” she shared.
A former first-round pick by the Lakers in 2014, Randle spent four seasons in Los Angeles before signing with the Pelicans in 2018.
He signed a three-year, $63 million contract with the Knicks the following July and earned a four-year, $117 million extension in 2021 while averaging 22.6 points, 9.9 rebounds and 4.7 assists during his five seasons with the team.
Randle underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in the spring and missed the playoffs, where the Knicks advanced to the second round before losing to the Indiana Pacers in seven games.
He said in June that his recovery is “ahead of schedule” and he’ll be ready for the start of the season.
