Various superstars are on the Golden State Warriors’ radar this season.
However, an underrated former New York Knicks fan favorite could enter the picture soon.
“The Golden State Warriors are expected to make some sort of trade before the Feb. 6 deadline, although the size of the move still remains to be seen,” Athlon Sports’ Jonah Kubicek wrote Saturday.
“Before Thanksgiving, the Warriors were the best team in the Western Conference, but they now sit at 14-11 and are the seventh seed.”
“The Warriors have been linked to Jimmy Butler, LeBron James, Brandon Ingram, and, recently, Zion Williamson, among other players.”
“Of course, some other role players have been floated as possible trade candidates, but the appealing All-Stars have mostly been limited to those four.”
“However, the Warriors are overlooking one ideal trade target if those recent rumors are true.”
“If the Warriors are looking for a physical scoring wing — and their interest in Ingram, Butler, and James points to exactly that — then there is certainly a cheaper option who fits the mold.”
“Cameron Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith are certainly attainable, although they don’t have the volume-scoring punch or star pizzaz that a typical Dubs’ trade target might have.”
“Instead of any of the players mentioned earlier, the Warriors should inquire about Julius Randle’s availability.”
“In his first season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, the two-time All-Star is averaging 20.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and four assists while shooting 34.8% from 3-point range and 48.3% from the floor.”
“Those numbers are pretty close to his career averages, but his fit next to Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert is suspect, to say the least. The Wolves are also 14-11 and could be looking to shake things up.”
“Randle is owed $33 million this season, so any trade package that would bring in Ingram, James, Williamson, or Butler would be enough to match his salary, and the Warriors would likely be able to save some draft capital as well since Randle isn’t perceived to be on the same level as those stars.”
“LeBron of the Los Angeles Lakers? Intriguing. But … all logical signs point to Golden State making a smaller move, as they did by adding Dennis Schröder, but if they decide to go all-out, Randle should not be overlooked or forgotten about.”
Edwards is undoubtedly the main attraction in Minnesota, but Randle is quietly enjoying an impressive campaign with the Timberwolves.
The Kentucky product, beloved in New York for his endless motor and prolific scoring ability, is Minnesota’s second-leading scorer and rebounder through 27 contests.
While Randle may never be a high-priority target for the Warriors, his ability to excel in low-post isolation situations and outwork his opponents may appeal to Golden State this year.
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