Julius Randle found himself a new home this offseason. After the Los Angeles Lakers determined he did not fit into their plans, the team renounced Randle, letting the fifth-year big man become an unrestricted free agent. He wasn’t on the market for very long, because later that day, Randle agreed to a deal with the New Orleans Pelicans on a two-year deal worth $18 million.
It’s a good contract for both sides — New Orleans bolsters their frontcourt and somewhat offsets the loss of DeMarcus Cousins, while Randle found a home for the next two years alongside one of his best friends, Anthony Davis. While Randle is slated to hit the market again in 2020, his latest comments indicate he doesn’t want that to happen.
Randle spoke to the media on Friday and said that he doesn’t see this as a pit stop. Instead, Randle sees New Orleans as a “long-term” home.
Julius Randle: "I'm looking toward the future. For me, this isn't about this season or next. I want this to be home and to be a long-term thing. I feel like this is a group where guys are young and energetic and we can grow together."
— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) July 13, 2018
Randle also gave some insight into his decision to join the Pelicans, which included some tenacious recruiting by Davis. The All-NBA center apparently contacted his fellow member of Big Blue Nation three times before Randle agreed to terms with the team to seal the deal.
Randle said he initially reached out to AD after hearing from Pels staff to get advice on what he should do. After their talk, Davis called Randle three more times to make sure he wasn't going anywhere else.
— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) July 13, 2018
Randle: "For him to see me fitting well into that plan and a part of that future, it means a lot. With that comes a lot of responsibility. Like I told him, I'll be on the frontline with him every game. You're not gonna have to worry about me bringing my hard hat." https://t.co/1mOR2VBiZO
— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) July 13, 2018
Despite being in the league for a few years, Randle is only 23, so with some luck, he’ll be in the NBA for another. If he has his way, that time will be spent as a member of the Pelicans, perhaps even alongside one of his best friends.
