The Houston Rockets have started off the season hotter than expected as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference while the Minnesota Timberwolves are falling short of expectations.
Because of this, the Timberwolves are expected to shake up their roster prior to February’s trade deadline. It’s tough to imagine the Rockets would be willing to help one of their biggest in-conference threats get back on track.
Still, Fadeaway World proposed a surprising deal between the two organizations that would send out new Wolves forward Julius Randle.
Timberwolves Receive: Jabari Smith Jr., Steven Adams, Jeff Green, 2026 Second-Round Pick
Rockets Receive: Julius Randle
Randle is having a rollercoaster first season in Minnesota, averaging 20.1 points and 6.7 rebounds on 47.7% shooting and 35.7% from three-point range. If the Wolves’ coaching staff and roster grow tired of his inconsistency like the New York Knicks did, the 30-year-old could change teams once again.
Fadeaway World is confident Smith, the former No. 3 pick, could break out under coach Chris Finch, writing, “Smith will be phenomenal for the Timberwolves, forming a young core with Anthony Edwards. The 21-year-old averages 11.9 points and 6.6 rebounds per game in a down year, which could change in a trade to Minneapolis.”
Adams and Green have seen limited playing time this season, but both can provide strong veteran leadership at the least. It seems likely opposing front offices would outbid the Rockets with a stronger package for the three-time All-Star.
MORE WOLVES NEWS: Timberwolves may already ditch Julius Randle in trade for Clippers’ $90 million star
