Julius Randle is not just expected by many to be traded by the Minnesota Timberwolves, but most of the fan base is hoping that is the case. For the last two years, the 31-year-old has been the team’s clear second scoring option, and he is someone who frequently holds the ball.
Trading the three-time All-Star can put even more offensive responsibilities in the hands of Anthony Edwards. That’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Now, it would depend on who Minnesota receives in exchange for Randle, as well as if the team makes an additional trade for a star player. Without Randle, though, the opportunity could be there for Ant-Man to win his first scoring title.
Edwards has improved his scoring average every seasonÂ
Now six years deep into his NBA career, Edwards has increased his scoring average after every season. As a rookie in 2020-21, he averaged 19.3 points. This season, it was at a career-best 28.8. That was third in the league, only behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic. Edwards’ points per game are the highest single-season amount in franchise history, surpassing the 27.6 he averaged in 2024-25.
Could this be the year that he gets to 30 a night? Ant is certainly trending towards it, and it would seem even more likely to happen if Randle doesn’t need to have his fair share of touches to remain happy.
Now, 30 points per game still might not be enough to earn a scoring title. This season, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.1 and Doncic a monstrous 33.5. SGA has averaged 30-plus each of the last four seasons, and Luka has in three of the last four.
Averaging 30 would at least put Edwards in the running, though. Can he continue improving his efficiency? In 2025-26, he shot career-bests from the field (48.9%) and 3-point distance (39.9%). He could increase his 3-point frequency even more in 2026-27 with a high-volume long-range shooter in Donte DiVincenzo out for most, if not all, of next season with a torn Achilles.
Now, we can’t take much evidence from this season that Edwards would have an increased scoring load without Randle.
Randle played in the first 79 regular season games before sitting out the final three. Dealing with runner’s knee, Ant only played in one of those one games, scoring 22 points in 27 minutes in a close win over the Houston Rockets.
Edwards is at the age (turns 25 on August 5), where we should expect him to be at his optimal self. A scoring title could be his future, as soon as next season.
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