It is trade season in the NBA, and plenty of deals are being imagined for every team in the association. Various ways of improving could be on the horizon for many contending teams. When it comes to the Minnesota Timberwolves' situation, the most obvious move they could potentially make would involve trading Julius Randle.
We have seen enough of a sample size now to know that Randle's fit with this Wolves roster is shaky at best. His impending free agency decision this summer will have the potential to hamper the team's decision-making in the long-term by forcing them to part ways with other valuable contributors. As such, trading him at the deadline could be their best option.
This week, Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report crafted up a mock trade for every NBA team. In the one he imagined for the Timberwolves, Minnesota sends Julius Randle to the San Antonio Spurs and gets back three players in return: Tre Jones, Keldon Johnson and Malaki Branham. No picks would be included in this imagined deal.
Timberwolves can increase depth and future options with this trade
All in all, Swartz's mock trade would be a fantastic way for the Timberwolves to get Randle off the books, should they decide that is the direction they want to move in. Moving Julius would allow Minnesota the financial flexibility to be able to re-sign crucial impact players like Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. If they are dead set on achieving that outcome, the type of players they get back would not even be the biggest concern.
But this deal with the Spurs in particular would provide a considerable return for the Wolves. Keldon Johnson is a solid wing that could be excellent off the bench, while allowing Naz Reid to be promoted to the starting lineup. Malaki Branham is a versatile scorer that would bring some additional offensive fire power to the bench.
As for Tre Jones, he would give Minnesota an experienced ball-handler that could become more useful as Mike Conley begins to show some age. Jones would not necessarily have to be a long-term fit with this team, as Rob Dillingham still possesses more upside. But having Tre would allow the Timberwolves the option to continue assessing how far along they believe Dillingham is, and then make other moves accordingly.
If the Wolves see it best to find a new home for Julius Randle at the deadline, a move similar to this one would be an excellent option.