Timberwolves Expected to Keep Julius Randle as Trade Deadline Approaches

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Timberwolves Expected to Keep Julius Randle as Trade Deadline Approaches

Minnesota Timberwolves, Julius Randle — Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Ezra Greenman · Minnesota Sports Fan

Tue, Feb 4, 2025 ·

2 min read

Minnesota Timberwolves to more than likely keep Julius Randle through the trade deadline

Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Right before the season started, the Minnesota Timberwolves executed a shocking trade, sending longtime franchise player Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo . So far, however, the move hasn't paid off. Both newcomers struggle to make a significant impact, particularly Randle.

Julius Randle has been a disappointment this season, and has a player option after this year. Plenty of people expect him to be on the move at the trade deadline, but as things stand, that doesn't seem to be happening. At least, that's what they want us to believe.

According to local insiders Jon Krawczynski and Darren Wolfson , the Timberwolves don't seem likely to make a move, at least when it comes to Julius Randle.

There isn't much of one for a player with a $33 million option on his deal for next year. If the Wolves wanted to move Randle, they would likely have to incentivize another team to take him, and they're not interested in that. The groin injury that could keep him out through the All-Star break doesn't help matters.

Trading him now would also almost certainly make them a worse team in the short term, and they don't have their first-round pick in the draft so the benefit of a mini-tank is not there. Sorry Wolves fans, but they like Randle more than you do.

If things hold as they are right now, I don't see a move happening. Salary dumping Randle doesn't make sense for their goals this season.

Krawczynski highlights that Randle's contract poses a problem for trading him. The Minnesota Timberwolves would need to sweeten the deal to offload him, which isn't worth it for them. He also argues convincingly that, considering the Wolves' short-term goals, moving Randle this season makes little sense. Instead, they should stick with him and aim for a playoff push.

No real steam on Julius Randle being traded

Also, according to local insider Darren Wolfson, there hasn't been any real buzz about the Timberwolves trading Julius Randle. In fact, he'd bet that Randle remains with the team beyond the trade deadline.

I'm not saying there's a 0% chance, Phil, because Julius Randle's name has clearly come up. But looking back over the past couple of weeks, I just haven't heard any real, legit buzz. So, my bet right now is that Randle will still be here on Friday. The groin strain certainly doesn't help.

Wolfson noted that Randle's name has been circulating in trade talks, but he doubts anything substantial has developed yet. He also made a strong point about Randle's recent injury; it won't keep him out for long, but the timing is awful, coming just before the trade deadline.

The NBA is a business at the end of the day

This season, NBA fans have learned a crucial lesson: no player is truly off-limits. Karl-Anthony Towns was traded unexpectedly , shocking everyone. Then, just this past weekend, Luka Doncic, thought by many to be untouchable, was also dealt. It's evident now that anyone can be moved in this league.

The league is all about business, and teams aren't shy about taking risks. Just something to remember as we head into the final days before the trade deadline.