Why Trading Julius Randle Would Be a Mistake for the Timberwolves - At Least Right Now
It’s not even officially trade season yet, but around the NBA, the rumor mill is already spinning like it’s mid-January. And one of the teams smack in the middle of it all?
The Minnesota Timberwolves. With a clear need at point guard and a roster that’s close - but not quite there - the Wolves are naturally being floated in early trade chatter.
But as names like Ja Morant, Trae Young, LaMelo Ball, and even Kyrie Irving start popping up in connection with Minnesota, there’s another name that’s surfaced in a very different context: Julius Randle.
Let’s get this out of the way early - Randle has been really good this year. The idea of "selling high" on him might sound enticing in theory, especially if the Wolves are eyeing a big-name guard, but in reality? Trading him now, especially for one of the currently available point guards, would be a misstep that could set this team back.
The Point Guard Puzzle
Yes, Minnesota could use a steady hand at the point. That’s not breaking news. But the options on the market right now come with more question marks than answers.
Ja Morant and LaMelo Ball are both electric when healthy, but that’s the key phrase - when healthy. Both have struggled to stay on the court this season, and even when they’ve played, neither has looked like the game-changer their reputations suggest.
Kyrie Irving might be another possibility, but he’s 33 and coming off an ACL injury. That’s a gamble - and a pricey one at that.
Trae Young is probably the most intriguing name in the group. He can score, he can pass, and he’s proven he can be the focal point of an offense.
But his heliocentric style - where the ball lives in his hands - doesn’t exactly scream “perfect fit” next to Anthony Edwards, who’s blossoming into a star in his own right. The last thing you want is to stunt that growth by pairing him with a guard who dominates the ball.
Randle’s Value Can’t Be Overlooked
Now let’s talk about what Randle is bringing to the table. He’s averaging 23 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 6 assists on 50.2% shooting from the field, 35.6% from three, and 81.3% from the line.
That’s not just solid - that’s borderline All-NBA production. He’s doing it while playing a key role as a secondary creator next to Edwards, giving the Wolves a physical, versatile forward who can score, rebound, and facilitate.
And here’s the kicker: he’s doing it on a $33 million per year contract. In today’s NBA economy, that’s a bargain for a top-25 caliber player. Trading him for a guard with injury concerns or questionable fit doesn’t just weaken the roster - it risks undoing the chemistry that helped this team reach the Western Conference Finals last season.
The McDaniels Factor
There’s also the matter of who’s considered untouchable. According to reports, Jaden McDaniels has that designation.
Randle, on the other hand, doesn’t - at least not officially. From a salary-matching standpoint, Randle is a logical trade chip.
But just because a deal works on paper doesn’t mean it makes sense on the court.
This is where the theory of trading Randle starts to fall apart. He’s simply been too important to this team’s success to move him for anything less than a clear, undeniable upgrade.
And right now? That player isn’t on the market.
“Selling High” Isn’t Always Smart Business
There’s been some buzz - including a recent report suggesting the Wolves might consider moving Randle if the right star becomes available. But let’s be real: unless that star is a surefire upgrade who fits seamlessly next to Edwards and the rest of this core, it’s not worth it.
Trading Randle just to “sell high” only makes sense if you’re getting something better in return. And none of the guards currently rumored to be available check that box. In fact, outside of Trae Young, you could argue Randle is the best player in the mix.
Giving up Randle would likely mean sacrificing depth, too. That’s a steep price to pay when you’re not even sure the player you’re getting back is a better fit - or even better, period.
This Core Deserves Patience
Let’s not forget: this Timberwolves team went to the conference finals last season. They’re not a broken roster in need of a shake-up. They’re a contender with a few flaws - and flaws can be addressed without blowing up the foundation.
If Minnesota wants to make a move, targeting a reliable role-playing guard might be the smarter route. Someone who can stabilize the backcourt without disrupting the team’s identity or taking the ball out of Edwards’ hands too often.
But dealing Randle for a high-risk, high-usage guard? That’s not a fix - that’s a gamble.
And right now, the Wolves don’t need to gamble. They need to build on what they already have.
Bottom Line
Julius Randle has been too good - and too important - to trade for anything less than a clear-cut upgrade. The idea of “selling high” only works if the return justifies the loss. With the current landscape of available guards, that’s just not the case.
The Wolves don’t need to swing for the fences. They need to stay smart, stay patient, and keep building around the pieces that got them to the doorstep of an NBA Finals. And right now, Randle is one of those pieces.