The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly going to consider some drastic moves this summer, one of which could include exploring the trade market for Julius Randle. Unfortunately, based on this year’s playoff run, his value may not be at its best. As a result, Minnesota’s best trade option could require a call to the Brooklyn Nets about Michael Porter Jr.
This past season, Porter churned out an All-Star-caliber campaign. Adding him alongside Anthony Edwards would be nothing to scoff at. That said, the Wolves would likely have to attach some assets to Randle in order to get a potential deal over the finish line. But still, a quick call to Brooklyn could be smart for the Wolves.
Swapping out Randle for Porter may be Minnesota’s best bet.
Trading Julius Randle for Michael Porter Jr. would be intriguing
Last year, after getting traded from the Denver Nuggets to the Nets, Porter had the best season of his NBA career. Brooklyn ran a lot for him, but he made the most of his opportunities.
Porter’s shot profile wasn’t even anything crazy, but he was pretty efficient, especially considering the relative lack of talent around him, and the Nets consistently looked to get him shots from behind the three-point line.
By the end of the year, Porter had appeared in 52 games (all starts), playing 32.5 minutes per contest. He averaged 24.2 points. 7.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists while shooting 46.3% from the field and 36.3% from deep on 9.3 three-point attempts.
Now, imagine throwing a three-point threat like Porter alongside the spacing of Edwards, Naz Reid, and Jaden McDaniels. That’s a product the Wolves should be able to get behind.
Again, flipping Randle for Porter straight up probably won’t work. But Minnesota could add some assets in order to get Brooklyn interested. It wouldn’t be the first time they’ve taken on a reclamation project.
In fact, Porter himself was a reclamation project. The Nets traded Cameron Johnson for Porter and a future Denver Nuggets first-round pick, and it worked out great.
If the Wolves attached a young player and a pick (or something along those lines) to Randle, it could be enough to get the Nets to bite. Or, it would at least be enough to get them to pick up the phone.
Teams aren’t exactly going to be blowing up the Wolves’ phone about Randle trades, but trying to pry Porter away from the Nets might be their best bet at getting a deal done this summer.
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