Chris Finch admits what Timberwolves fans already know about the Julius Randle trade

The Minnesota Timberwolves trading Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a first-round pick, which became Joan Beringer, was always a controversial move. Now with Randle's recent slump, this trade is being rehashed to some degree. Chris Finch recently made an appearance on The Ryen Russillo Show. When the trade came up, Finch had plenty of nice things to say about Randle, but he noted the financial motivations behind the move. 

"Truth be told, the trade was more about cap sheet. It was largely about cap sheet moving forward. We love KAT and everything that he brought. But we knew we were coming to a point where we had to make decisions, and we want to try to get some depth into our roster too," Finch said. 

This isn't exactly breaking news to Timberwolves fans. Towns being on a contract worth $55.1 million a year puts the Timberwolves in a difficult spot financially, especially with Naz Reid's pending free agency. Conversely, Randle's expiring $30.8 million was much more palatable; he was later signed to a three-year $100 million contract. 

Undoubtedly, this allowed the Wolves to re-sign Reid and gave them much-needed future flexibility. Eventually, the Timberwolves were able to get under both tax aprons this season, something that would be nearly impossible with KAT. 

The Timberwolves have benefited from the controversial Randle-KAT trade

The financial aspects of this trade alone made nearly all Wolves fans understand this trade. Still, fans have grown frustrated with Randle's inconsistencies. After the All-Star break, he has averaged 14.1 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.1 turnovers on 39.3/16.1/78.6 shooting splits. Towns is a better player in a vacuum, but let's not act like he's a consistent player or an ideal second option. 

I know the majority of Timberwolves fans are hoping for Randle to be traded this offseason. However, we shouldn't forget his contributions to last year's conference finals team. Plus, while his floor spacing is a drawback, Randle does provide extra shot creation and playmaking juice. By all accounts, there have been plenty of positives to the Randle era. 

Throw in the extra depth Minnesota got with DiVincenzo, paired with the upside of Joan Beringer, and there are clear basketball reasons to make this trade. 

DiVincenzo's is especially vital; he's adjusted wonderfully to a starting role, providing elite floor spacing, connective playmaking, and hustle. Beringer looks like the Timberwolves' center of the future, which, in some ways, is the cherry on top. 

Ultimately, while financial aspects were the primary motivation for Minnesota to make the Randle-KAT trade, it has also benefited the team basketball-wise.