Four-Team Trade Concept Would Move Harden to Timberwolves, Randle to Suns
SLUG: four-team-trade-concept-harden-timberwolves-randle-suns
CONTENT:
A new hypothetical blockbuster from Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale reshuffles four NBA rosters, sending guard James Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Minnesota Timberwolves and forward Julius Randle from the New York Knicks to the Phoenix Suns.
Proposed terms
The framework involves the Clippers, Timberwolves, Suns and Brooklyn Nets:
- Clippers receive: Jalen Green, Bones Hyland
- Timberwolves receive: James Harden, Haywood Highsmith
- Nets receive: Mike Conley, Leonard Miller, a 2026 second-round pick (second-most favorable of Dallas, Oklahoma City or Philadelphia via Phoenix), a 2026 second-round pick (Memphis, protected Nos. 43–60 via Clippers) and a 2027 second-round pick (Cleveland via Minnesota)
- Suns receive: Julius Randle
Motive behind the idea
Favale argues that the 5-16 Clippers should “hit the reset button” after Harden’s strong statistics—26.9 points and 8.4 assists per game on 90.6 percent free-throw shooting—failed to spark a turnaround. Harden is earning $39.2 million this season and holds a $42.3 million player option for 2024-25.
For Minnesota, pairing Harden with Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels would add a veteran playmaker to a roster coming off consecutive Western Conference finals appearances. According to Favale, Harden would “provide more relief for Edwards than Randle,” even though the move would make the Timberwolves older.
The Nets would collect three future second-round picks along with veteran point guard Conley and rookie forward Miller, while the Suns would secure a proven scorer in Randle to complement their star-laden lineup.
Harden has already requested trades from Houston, Brooklyn and Philadelphia. If the Clippers’ struggles continue—and with no first-round pick to incentivize a rebuild—speculation about his next destination is likely to intensify.
Source: Hoops Wire
