The Minnesota Timberwolves trading Karl-Anthony Towns in exchange for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo was always considered a controversial move. There was some logical basketball-wise, most notably adding extra shot creation next to Anthony Edwards and bolstering their bench. Regardless, the main rumored motivation of this trade was to save money. This logic doesn't add up, however, when projecting the Wolves likely free agency decisions.
The move doesn't save the Wolves money
The Wolves traded KAT who is on a four-year $220 million contract for Randle who had two years left on a four-year $117 million contract (with a player option after this season), and DiVincenzo who had three years left on a four-year $46 million deal. At face value, this move made sense from a financial standpoint and did save the Wolves some money this year.
However, Randle is likely to opt out of his contract and the Wolves could be forced to pay him due to his importance as a shot creator. Randle is eligible for a four-year, $181 million contract this offseason. He might not get this exact number but expect Randle's contract to be within this range. The Wolves will only spend more money if they end up re-signing Naz Reid.
If Randle does sign for the full amount, which is possible, then the Wolves will have negated saving any money in this when combining his and DiVincenzo's contract. Even if Randle simply signs to a similar number, the Wolves would be saving minimal money. Why not just keep the better player in the first place?
While it's not a guarantee that Randle returns to the Wolves next season, if they part ways with him, Minnesota would likely be focusing on a pursuing a star. There have been plenty of rumors about the Wolves interest in Kevin Durant. This certainly seems like it would be their focus in the scenario where they choose to part ways with Randle. Surrounding Edwards with talent and maximizing their title chances is necessary for the Wolves. Still, if they had retained Towns, Minnesota would have a better offer for KD.
KAT is simply the better player
Randle undoubtedly had some great moments with the Wolves this year, especially early in the playoffs. Nevertheless, KAT is clearly a better player. Like Randle, he is a capable shot creator who can punish smaller defenders. However, KAT is an elite shooter, whereas Randle is an average to possibly above average shooter. As an overall scorer, Towns is more consistent. KAT is a better rebounder, but slightly worse defender.
Towns' stellar season showcased his incredible value and that he's a top-20-level player. He has continued this elite play in the playoffs, especially in the Eastern Conference Finals. Given this, the Wolves should regret the trade. Ultimately, keeping KAT would have given the Wolves more upside, and the financial concerns of holding onto him don't add up.