It was just six months ago when The Minnesota Timberwolves reached the Western Conference Finals. It was their most successful season in 20 years. While they came up short, it was clear this was a team that would be contending going into the future.
It was puzzling to many at first when Karl-Anthony Towns got traded to the Knicks for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. For a team that has championship aspirations, it may be hard to see how this trade moves the Timberwolves closer to that goal. This isn’t the kind of trade you can judge so soon though.
Julius Randle Trade Will Pay Off For The Timberwolves
Timberwolves Will be Better Off Financially
The discussion of whether or not the Timberwolves won the trade or not doesn’t really matter this season. What matters is what this trade allows them to do. Towns four-year, $224 million dollar contract kicked in this season. Long term, that would’ve been costly for the Timberwolves.
Coming into the season, the Timberwolves are the third most expensive team in the NBA. Randle and DiVincenzo’s contracts aren’t as expensive nor as long as Towns. Randle is due $33 million dollars this season with a player option of $30.9 million next year.
If Randle declines that, it will open up more money for Naz Reid. He has a player option of $15 million next year. There will likely be teams willing to throw more money at Reid in the offseason. The Timberwolves would be able to compete with them to retain him since they won’t be tied down by KAT’s contract. This would also allow them to retain Nickeil Alexander-Walker who has been a core piece for the Timberwolves.
With Rudy Gobert recently signing a team-friendly three-year, $110 million extension, the Timberwolves put themselves in a position to make moves in the offseason that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible.
Championship Or Bust This Season For Minnesota?
Don’t sound the alarms just yet if the Timberwolves fail to reach the NBA Finals. The Timberwolves are thinking long term with the Julius Randle trade. No matter what happens this season, it’s next season that will be a huge indicator of how this trade will be looked upon.
Assuming the Timberwolves re-sign Naz Reid (age 25) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (26), that would solidify the team’s young core moving forward. Anthony Edwards (23) and Jaden McDaniels (24) are signed with the team through the 2028-29 season. Rob Dillingham (19), despite only playing one game for three minutes thus far on the season, would be part of the Timberwolves future.
Last Word On If Randle Trade Will Pay Off For Timberwolves
The Timberwolves have extended their championship window and will be around for years to come. There’s something special being built in Minnesota, and Tim Connelly will have to be careful with each move going forward. It’s too early to judge the ramifications of the Julius Randle trade and the trajectory it will send the team down. Pay close attention to any potential trades and signings that take place between now and the offseason.
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