Timberwolves must avoid franchise-altering Julius Randle mistake

For whatever reason, it feels like NBA trade season has started earlier this year. Given their lack of a point guard, the Minnesota Timberwolves are one of the most well-discussed teams in these early trade rumors. Ja Morant, Trae Young, and LaMelo Ball could all feasibly be available, and I'd expect the Wolves to continue to come up as a suitor ahead of February's trade deadline.

I've already expressed that I don't think the Wolves need a star trade and that acquiring a role player could be more prudent. All of the guards that are available have clear flaws. Morant and Ball are incredibly injury-prone and frankly haven't looked great when they've played this year. It's worth wondering how Young's heliocentric playstyle would fit next to Anthony Edwards. Kyrie Irving is another player who may become available, but he's a 33-year-old coming off an ACL injury.

Now, if one of these players is available for a discounted price, by all means, I wouldn't be opposed to the Wolves pulling the trigger on a move. However, I don't expect this to be the case. Trading Randle for one of these players would be a catastrophic mistake.

Amid these rumors, Julius Randle has been a popular trade candidate. From a salary standpoint, and giving their trade partners a reasonable centerpiece, I get it. Additionally, Jaden McDaniels is viewed as untouchable per Hoops Hype's Michael Scotto, while Randle doesn't have this same designation. In theory, I get the idea of trading Randle, but it sounds a lot better in theory than in reality. Randle has been too damn good to justify trading him for one of the players who is currently available.

Trading Randle would be a massive mistake

A few days ago, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported that there's a growing sense that the Wolves will look to "sell high" on Randle ahead of the trade deadline. Frankly, I avoided writing about this. With all due respect to Siegel, I'm sure he has his sources, but this doesn't add up with other information.

Three weeks before Siegel's report, Jake Fischer (who is one of the most trusted NBA insiders) said that he doesn't see the Wolves looking to trade Randle. Could this have changed? I guess it's possible. At the time of Siegel's reporting, the Wolves were on a three-game losing streak. However, I doubt things would change this quickly.

My larger point here is that there is some level of trade buzz about Randle, and being on social media, a strong contingent of Wolves fans seems open to moving off Randle. For the players who are available, I wouldn't be, though. In fact, I believe trading him for one of the point guards on the market could be a mistake that haunts the franchise for years. There's simply too much risk.

Frankly, outside of Young, Randle is clearly better than the point guards who seem to be available. Randle is averaging 23 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 6 assists on 50.2/35.6/81.3 shooting splits. His presence as a shot creator and playmaker next to Edwards is vital.

With the current players available, there's no guarantee you're getting an upgrade from Randle, both fit and talent-wise. Selling high isn't selling high when you aren't getting a clear upgrade.

If someone who is a clear upgrade from Randle becomes available, then sure, trading him could make sense. However, I don't anticipate that happening. In addition to Randle's stellar production, he is making $33 million a year, which is excellent value for a top 25-level player. Trading Randle for another star would force the Wolves to gut some of their depth as well. It's simply not worth it, especially for the players who are available.

Let us not forget that this Wolves core went to the conference finals last playoffs. This isn't some broken roster. Yes, they have clear flaws that should be addressed at the trade deadline. Nevertheless, this doesn't have to be addressed by way of a star, and it certainly doesn't have to be addressed by trading Randle.