The Minnesota Timberwolves have been rolling, winning eight of their last 10 games. Forward Julius Randle played in each game, averaging 18 points on 52.1% shooting, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.5 assists during that stretch. However, he could be on the move this offseason, Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale writes.
“Will his market crater to the point he would rather opt in and get traded again? Maybe,” Favale said. “He could also opt out and intend to sign for a smaller average annual value worth more over the long term. That plan might even line up with the Minnesota Timberwolves’ thinking.”
Randle could be dealt to bring a guard who can help run Minnesota’s offense. Perhaps Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden could be the Timberwolves’ answer. The Timberwolves also have a plethora of bigs who are capable of handling big minutes at the NBA level, including Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, and Naz Reid.
McDaniels primarily plays small forward, but given his 6-foot-9 frame, it might make more sense to stick him at the power forward position, especially in the modern NBA. The Washington product can lock down traditional and small-ball power forwards, making him an invaluable asset at that position.
Of course, the Timberwolves could always flex McDaniels to the small forward spot whenever they prefer to go big. Perhaps in a lineup with Gobert and Reid, where Reid handles the responsibilities of stretching Minnesota’s offense to the three-point line.
Keeping Randle in the fold could still have a ton of benefits, especially with his post-scoring, three-point shooting, and playmaking skills. However, it might make more sense for the Timberwolves to move him to help them shore up some areas of weakness.
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