It hasn’t been the prettiest of basketball, but the Minnesota Timberwolves have been playing better since the New Year.
They’re 6-4 in their last ten games and are on a three-game winning streak. Due to their improved play, they’re back to being a playoff team.
Although they’re a postseason level roster, the Wolves remain 22nd in the league in scoring. If Minnesota wants to compete with the better teams in the Western Conference, they’ll need to make a move to find more scoring.
In a proposed trade, Minnesota moves forward Julius Randle to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for R.J. Barrett and Davion Mitchell. While this trade works financially, realistically, the Wolves would have to add some future draft picks to make this transaction more enticing for the Raptors.
One of the bigger disappointments for the Wolves this season has been Randle. He is a very talented player, but he hasn’t been able to gain chemistry with the rest of the team in Minnesota. On defense, he just doesn’t seem to put in much effort. Offensively, he can score, but he is 16th in the league in turnovers. The funny thing is, Barrett is 12th in the league. The only difference is Barrett has the ball in his hands a lot more often.
Toronto is one of the worst teams in the league and is amid a rebuild. Barrett is climbing near the top-20 scorers in the league, but with no team success in the future, he could be some quality trade bait to build toward the future. The Wolves desperately need the scoring help and could put Barrett on the wing at small forward alongside Anthony Edwards. The addition of Mitchell would provide some more backup point guard support.
On one hand, it gives Minnesota some scoring help. On the other, it helps the Raptors rebuild for the future while still bringing in a quality player. Randle also has a player option after next season, so he could walk on his own accord. All in all, a trade that benefits both teams in different ways.
MORE WOLVES NEWS: Timberwolves swap veteran All-Star for $70 million guard in proposed trade with Jazz
