Julius Randle is one of the more divisive players among Minnesota Timberwolves fans and, frankly, across the league. However, even his biggest doubters would have to admit that the Wolves thus far have a leg up over the New York Knicks in the blockbuster Randle-Karl-Anthony Towns trade. In addition to landing Randle, the Wolves bolstered their rotation with Donte DiVincenzo and got a 2025 first-round pick, which turned into Joan Beringer.
When comparing Randle and Towns one-for-one, it's hard to argue that KAT is far better than Randle. Heck, I'd argue that Randle has been better than KAT this season, and he's clearly a better fit next to Anthony Edwards. Whatever way you slice it, though, Towns isn't $32 million better than Randle like his contract suggests. The extra financial flexibility is another key component of this trade -- it allowed Minnesota to re-sign Naz Reid last offseason.
Considering this, paired with DiVincenzo's impact as a starting guard and Beringer's immense upside -- the Wolves clearly won this blockbuster deal. Even if Randle isn't your cup of tea, it's hard to argue otherwise.
Randle is a better fit next to Edwards than Towns
Counting stats aren't everything, but the numbers reflect that Randle and Towns are in the same tier of players. Randle is averaging 22.6 points, 7 rebounds, and 5.4 assists, while Towns is averaging 20.5 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. Both players are high-end co-stars on a championship roster. Still, paying your co-star $33 million a year is far more ideal than paying your co-star $55 million a year.
The Knicks are already considering trading Towns, whereas the Wolves seem committed to Randle.
Even if you want to argue that Towns is better than Randle (which is valid), it's hard to argue that KAT is a better fit next to Anthony Edwards. Randle gives the Wolves some needed extra shot creation and playmaking juice. Notably, 47.6 percent of Randle's made baskets are unassisted, while just 35.4 percent of Towns' are. Furthermore, KAT ranks in the 28th percentile for one-on-one shot making, while Randle ranks in the 96th percentile per Basketball Index.
It's fair to wonder where the Wolves this season would be without Randle's shot creation and playmaking, especially given their point guard-by-committee approach.
By all accounts, Randle is a better fit than Towns, and he's the same tier of player that KAT is. Combine this with the depth and financial flexibility that the Wolves got back in the trade, and it becomes clear that they won the deal. Regardless of your personal opinion on Randle, you have to admit this reality.