Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle will be one of the biggest names on the trade market for the next month. He is having a rough time fitting in with the Wolves’ style of play. The team’s defense is still solid, but they’re struggling to keep up offensively against other teams.
A proposed three-team trade brings some much-needed scoring and point guard help to Minnesota. The trade would have the Wolves acquiring forward Miles Bridges and guard Seth Curry from the Charlotte Hornets. The Hornets acquire forward Kyle Kuzma and center Jonas Valanciunas from the Washington Wizards. Finally, Washington receives Randle in the trade.
Ideally, the Wizards would get some additional draft capital to make this deal more appealing for them. This is a trade that sets them up for the future. For Charlotte, it replaces Bridges and gives star LaMelo Ball a new weapon on the wing in Kuzma. The addition of Valanciunas provides them with some frontcourt versatility.
For Minnesota, this trade addresses their desperate need for scoring on the wing. Bridges is having a down year compared to the past couple of seasons, but being surrounded by players like Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert and company will give him more opportunities to find open looks.
Another huge need for the Wolves is a point guard. Perhaps, another veteran one. The addition of Curry gives Minnesota some more leverage with their guard rotation. Mike Conley’s health has been in question all season. If they want to push for a better playoff position and compete, they’ll need as much depth as they can get. This trade addresses two very big needs for them as well.
The Western Conference is stacked. Part of the reason Minnesota is struggling comes from the other teams improving so much while they’ve regressed. If they can complete a trade that brings some guys that fit their system it could be the exact formula they need to return to the Conference Finals or even take the next step into the NBA Finals.
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