The Minnesota Timberwolves are in a fascinating spot right now - not quite desperate, but clearly itching to make a move. With Mike Conley showing signs of age and Rob Dillingham not taking the sophomore leap the franchise hoped for, the Wolves find themselves combing the trade market for a true lead guard. And if they’re serious about landing one of the bigger names, it may come at a steep cost - possibly even Julius Randle.
Yes, that Julius Randle.
According to recent reporting, Minnesota has been actively exploring the guard market, and Randle’s name has surfaced as a potential trade chip. It’s not hard to see why.
If the Timberwolves want to make a splash, they’ll likely have to part with either Randle or Naz Reid. And considering Randle just became trade-eligible this week - along with Bones Hyland and Joe Ingles - the timing adds fuel to the speculation.
Randle, now in his second season with Minnesota, is having a quietly strong year. Through 26 games, he’s averaging 23.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and a steal per game.
He’s also getting to the line seven times a night - a career-high mark - and doing it with improved efficiency and control. His 2.7 turnovers per game would be his lowest since the 2017-18 season, a sign that he’s refining his decision-making even as he remains a high-usage player.
Now, let’s be clear: Randle isn’t a perfect player. He’s not locking anyone down on defense, and he can still get a little loose with the ball.
But as a second option on a contending team? You could do a whole lot worse.
He brings size, scoring, and playmaking from the forward spot - a rare blend that’s hard to replace.
So why would Minnesota consider moving him?
It comes down to the roster’s balance - or lack thereof - and the front office’s desire to find a long-term answer at point guard. Conley’s leadership has been invaluable, but he’s 37.
Dillingham’s development curve is still uncertain. If the Wolves want to maximize their current core - which includes Anthony Edwards in his prime and Rudy Gobert anchoring the defense - they may feel the pressure to act now.
The problem? The lead guards reportedly available aren’t exactly slam dunks either.
Names like Ja Morant, Trae Young, and LaMelo Ball are being floated around, and while each has All-Star talent, they also come with significant question marks. Morant’s off-court issues, Young’s defensive limitations, and LaMelo’s injury history make them risky bets - especially if the cost is a steady, productive piece like Randle.
And here’s the kicker: Minnesota doesn’t have a ton of draft capital to sweeten a deal. That limits their ability to outbid other teams, especially for marquee names. So unless another option emerges as the deadline approaches, the Wolves may find themselves in a tough spot - wanting to upgrade at guard, but hesitant to give up one of their most consistent performers to do it.
This is where new ownership could come into play. A fresh regime often wants to make a statement, and a bold trade is one way to do that.
But there’s a fine line between aggressive and reckless. Trading Randle for a flawed guard could backfire in a big way, especially if it disrupts the chemistry that’s helped Minnesota stay competitive in a loaded Western Conference.
Bottom line: Randle’s name is out there, and Minnesota’s interest in adding a point guard is real. But unless the right deal materializes - one that upgrades the backcourt without gutting the frontcourt - don’t be surprised if the Wolves decide to hold steady. Randle may not be perfect, but he’s producing, and in today’s NBA, that kind of reliability still matters.