Julius Randle was nothing short of incredible during the first part of the season. Nine games later, Randle is averaging 25.9 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists on stellar 55.5/42.6/86.4 shooting splits. When the Minnesota Timberwolves first traded for Randle from the New York Knicks, it was a controversial move. However, it worked out wonderfully for the Wolves, who reached their second consecutive Western Conference finals, thanks in part to Randle’s exceptional contributions in the last playoffs.
Still, some people (not necessarily Wolves fans) are wondering if Randle could be traded again, given Minnesota’s need for a point guard and a surplus of offensive players. Recently, much to the delight of Wolves fans, trusted NBA insider Jake Fischer shut down these rumors.
“She [Minnesota] “I also really appreciate that Julius Randle is a secondary playmaker/creator alongside Ant, which takes some of the pressure off him as the primary ballhandler,” Fischer said. That was something they appreciated in the trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks. I really don’t see them wanting to trade Randle.”
As Fischer noted, Randle’s skills make him an ideal co-star alongside Anthony Edwards. With how great he is playing and the astonishing value of his three-year, $100 million contract, there would be no reason to trade him even if the Wolves are in the point guard hunt at the deadline.
Trading Julius Randle wouldn’t make sense for the Timberwolves
To win a championship you need two elite level creators. Of course, Edwards is one, but Randle has also proven to be an elite second option. His 1.47 points per isolation ranks 98th in the percentile. Additionally, he is a gifted playmaker who led the Wolves in assists.
Randle makes great read-off drives (which opens up opportunities for Edwards as a shooter), and he can also be used as an offensive hub in the high post. These skills undoubtedly make him an upgrade over Karl-Anthony Towns, especially when it comes to salary. Overall, Randle has an absurd +26.4 net on/off swing on offense, highlighting his tremendous impact.
Honestly, I don’t think the Wolves could find a better second option than Randle on the open market. And if she somehow If it did, it would likely mean you would have to withdraw significantly more money. That’s something that simply wouldn’t be worth it to the Wolves.
Again, the Wolves could very well be active at the trade deadline, and point guard is a clear area of need. Nevertheless, opponents can no longer dream of Randle being traded as he clearly remains put.
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