Julius Randle seems to be a punching bag for Minnesota Timberwolves fans. After every bad game, fans are begging for Randle to be traded this summer. There's no denying that he has certain flaws, and it's fair to point these flaws out.Â
However, Randle has become a scapegoat for all the Wolves' problems to an uncomfortable level. And when he does have a good game, there's radio silence from some Timberwolves fans. I've tried my best this season to uplift Randle and discuss him in a positive light whenever possible, but I realize my perspective isn't the prevailing thought among Wolves fans.
At the same time, I'm a realist and understand he has some shortcomings that could trigger an offseason trade. If the Wolves flame out early in the playoffs, changes (including trading Randle) should be on the table.Â
Nevertheless, even if we assume that the Wolves will have to reshuffle the deck this offseason, I don't think trading Randle should be a certainty.
There isn't an obvious trade suitor for Julius Randle
You might not think Randle is a second option-caliber player on a championship-winning team. I get it, Randle is incredibly inconsistent. Likewise, you may have concerns about his fit next to Anthony Edwards as an isolation-heavy player who isn't always engaged defensively. Again, I think that's fair.
Regardless, if you are trading Randle, you'd better make damn sure that you find a player who is talented/consistent enough to be a second option and fits nicely next to Ant.Â
Sounds easy, right? Well, maybe if you live in a candy land universe, but in reality, this is a tricky task.Â
The Wolves' interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo at the trade deadline was well-documented, and Randle would be involved in this possible offseason trade. Nonetheless, this would require the Wolves to gut their roster, and they still would face an uphill battle in terms of being the highest bidders for Giannis.Â
Outside of Giannis, I know many Wolves fans have the dream of flipping Randle for Kyrie Irving. Undoubtedly, Kyrie would be a great fit next to Ant, but would the Dallas Mavericks see Randle as a fit next to Cooper Flagg?
Dejounte Murray is another intriguing option. I wouldn't rule it out since the New Orleans Pelicans are notoriously weird and could shake up their roster. Still, as is, Randle is a poor fit in NOLA.
The Phoenix Suns are one team that could desperately use Randle's skill set. However, their package would likely be centered around Jalen Green. If Wolves fans are frustrated with Randle's inconsistencies, I can't imagine how they'd react to Green, and in general, he'd be an odd fit next to Ant.
Could there be some version of a three-team deal where Randle goes to Phoenix and the Wolves get someone like Kyrie or Murray? Perhaps, but that undoubtedly requires plenty of moving parts.Â
Randle is still valuable
If nothing materializes and the Wolves are hellbent on trading Randle, they might have to settle for an underwhelming return. Building a true title contender without a traditional second option is flawed at best. To this end, the Wolves shouldn't be so determined to trade Randle at all costs.
Despite his flaws, Randle's importance to the Wolves' offense is undeniable. He provides some much-needed secondary creation and playmaking. According to Cleaning the Glass, the Wolves' offense is 9.4 points per 100 possessions better with Randle on the court.Â
And while some fans are quick to forget, last year we saw the Wolves make a conference finals run with Randle providing elite second option production. Randle might be flawed, but he's talented enough to be a second option.
In the end, the Wolves might be best served holding onto Randle. I also think it would be worth exploring trading Rudy Gobert if the Wolves flame out early in the playoffs. And if the package for Gobert makes more sense, then the Wolves should go down this road.
Ultimately, trading Randle should be far from a forgone conclusion, and there's a real possibility that trading Randle would end up backfiring for Minnesota.