Chris Finch reveals when Wolves fans can expect to see Julius Randle suit up

The Minnesota Timberwolves' trajectory was wildly altered nearly two weeks ago when the team opted to make a risky but potentially extremely rewarding long-term move in trading away Karl-Anthony Towns. The Wolves' franchise cornerstone for nearly a decade has now moved on to New York, and fans in Minnesota are still unhappy with the whole situation in more ways than one.

But in the midst of the uncertainty comes excitement as well. Even though the Timberwolves are losing one of the most talented shooting big men of a generation, they are still gaining back a considerable amount in return. Julius Randle remains one of the best low-post players in the association, with a knack for punishing smaller defenders and scoring efficiently on the interior.

Donte DiVincenzo is also being severely underrated when it comes to potential impact for this team. His skill in shooting from the outside is considerable, and even Anthony Edwards believes that it will make a big difference for this team. Throw in the first-round pick, and it would seem that Tim Connelly really got Minnesota a solid deal in exchange for shipping out a very expensive player in Towns.

Now, Timberwolves fans are wondering when they will get to see Randle suit up for the first time. DiVincenzo already played in Minnesota's preseason-opening win over the Los Angeles Lakers, and now the question simply becomes when Julius will join him.

Finch: Randle is expected to play before preseason ends

Speaking with media on Friday, Chris Finch told reporters that Randle will be out once again on Friday night versus the Philadelphia 76ers. It will mark the first preseason contest for Minnesota in a week, but Julius will apparently still not be present on the court.

But before Wolves fans start to panic, Finch also stated that Randle will play sometime next week before preseason ends. So the fanbase will get a proper look at their new starting power forward sometime before the regular season begins on October 22.

This will be even more reason to tune in to the tune-up matchups against the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls and Denver Nuggets next week, on top of the already-present drama of Minnesota matching up against Karl-Anthony Towns for the first time in his career on Sunday.

Preseason is basically a formality for a player the likes of Julius Randle, who is a proven veteran and has made multiple All-NBA teams. But getting some run in with his new teammates ahead of the regular season will still be important to continue establishing chemistry and form good habits with a new group.