Timberwolves' vision with KAT trade couldn't be clearer after Randle's extension

When the Minnesota Timberwolves first traded Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a 2025 first-round pick, it was a highly controversial move. However, after the 2024-25 season concluded and both teams made the Conference Finals, the trade was mostly seen as a win-win. Now, afterRandle signed a three-year $100 million extension, the trade looks even better for the Wolves. 

Randle's contract makes the trade a massive win for the Wolves

Randle’s average annual value is $33 million. Conversely, Towns makes $55.1 million annually, including $53.1 million next year and $61 million in the final year of his deal. While KAT is the better player, he’s not worth an extra $22 million annually. Furthermore, the Wolves landed one of the league’s best contracts in DiVincenzo, who makes $11.7 million per year. DiVincenzo is a vital scoring punch off the bench; two players combined make $11 million less than Towns. Add in the 2025 first-round pick that turned into Joan Beringer, and this deal was a no-brainer for Minnesota.

Crucially, even after Randle and Naz Reid were extended, the Wolves avoided the second apron. If the Wolves had kept Towns, it would have been impossible to re-sign Reid and avoid the second apron. In this scenario, Reid would likely not be retained by the Wolves. Randle is an All-Star-level player and capable of being a second option on a title team with the right supporting cast. Towns could be a second option on a title team as well but the Wolves wouldn't have been able to maintain the supporting cast necessary to maximize him.

Towns is a better player than Randle. However, trading for Randle allowed the Wolves to retain a better supporting cast, and his contract is much better value. Randle also provides certain things better than Towns. Most notably, he is a better shot creator and defender. This was on full display during the playoffs, when Randle averaged 21.7 points. Towns is still a better floor spacer, rebounder, and overall player. Nevertheless, Randle’s increased shot creation abilities are beneficial next to Anthony Edwards. 

Ultimately, the KAT-Randle trade gave the Wolves a better chance to win a championship. Randle is a capable second option on a title team, and being able to retain Reid as a result is a massive win. DiVincenzo’s presence as a bench scorer is another vital aspect of this trade for the Wolves. Depending on how Beringer develops and how the Knicks' upcoming seasons play out, this trade could become highway robbery for the Wolves.