Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: F Julius Randle

New York Knicks Receive: G D’Angelo Russell

If D’Angelo Russell’s 2021-22 season was complicated, Randle’s was pretty straightforward. He was disappointing, full stop.

Still, the Minnesota Timberwolves may see a need for his services. As it stands, Jarred Vanderbilt is their starting power forward. Vanderbilt is a better defender than Randle, which may make him a better complement to star big man Karl-Anthony Towns. He’s still not nearly the player that Randle is.

With this deal, the Wolves lean all the way into an offensive identity. Patrick Beverley is the only standout defender in a projected starting lineup featuring him, Malik Beasley, Edwards, Randle, and Towns. Still, that same group’s offense could be unguardable.

Randle may have been overtaxed as a first option last season. As a third fiddle, he should be devastating. This trade makes the Wolves more well-rounded, as they’ve lacked a true forward with offensive creation throughout much of the Towns era.

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As for the Knicks, they get the point guard they’re in need of. They make this trade because they’re gambling that Randle’s subpar 2021-22 performance is more indicative of his expected production than his Most Improved Player performance in 2020-21. If that’s how they feel, it may be prudent to cut ties with Randle.