TITLE: Timberwolves Highlight Randle Trade as Key to Depth and Financial Flexibility
SLUG: timberwolves-highlight-randle-trade-depth-flexibility
CONTENT:
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ decision to move Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo is being hailed internally as a mutually beneficial deal, according to The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski.
Randle’s smaller contract—roughly $10 million less than Towns earned last season when combined with DiVincenzo’s salary—helped Minnesota fortify its roster without crossing the NBA’s second tax apron. That financial breathing room allowed the club to keep key contributors Jaden McDaniels, Rudy Gobert and newly extended Naz Reid.
Randle also delivered on the court, producing a strong second half and an impactful first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers. DiVincenzo’s first year in Minneapolis was uneven, but he averaged 17.5 points and shot 42 percent from three during a six-game stretch in which the Wolves went 4-2 while he filled in at point guard. With veteran Mike Conley aging, Minnesota could give DiVincenzo a look as a fifth starter, though second-year guard Rob Dillingham remains an option.
The trade also netted the Timberwolves a lottery-protected first-round pick from Detroit that converted into forward Joan Beringer. The rookie is expected to begin the season with the G League affiliate in Iowa but spend significant time backing up Randle and Reid on the NBA roster.
Coming off back-to-back appearances in the Western Conference Finals, Minnesota now features a young core led by Anthony Edwards and supported by Reid, McDaniels, Beringer, Terrence Shannon Jr. and Dillingham—all 26 or younger. Krawczynski describes the current era as a “Golden Age” for the franchise, giving new owners Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore a solid base to keep the Timberwolves competitive for the long term.
Source: Hoops Rumors
