BREAKING: Timberwolves swap Julius Randle for former Knicks $107 million forward in proposed trade
The Minnesota Timberwolves may not have been playing the most polished basketball, but they’ve shown improvement since the New Year. Over their last ten games, they boast a 6-4 record and are riding a three-game winning streak. This resurgence has propelled them back into playoff contention.
Despite their postseason aspirations, the Wolves still rank 22nd in the league in scoring. To compete with stronger Western Conference teams, they’ll likely need to bolster their offensive firepower.
One potential solution involves a proposed trade: Minnesota sends forward Julius Randle to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for R.J. Barrett and Davion Mitchell. While the trade is financially viable, the Wolves would likely need to include future draft picks to make the deal more appealing to Toronto.
Randle has been one of the Wolves’ bigger disappointments this season. Although he’s a skilled player, his lack of chemistry with the team has been evident. Defensively, his effort has been questionable, and while he can score, he’s currently 16th in the league in turnovers. Interestingly, Barrett ranks even higher at 12th but handles the ball more frequently, which mitigates the issue.
The Raptors, in the midst of a rebuild, are one of the league’s bottom-tier teams. While Barrett is nearing top-20 scorer status, his contributions haven’t translated into team success, making him valuable trade bait for future-focused moves. For Minnesota, acquiring Barrett could provide the much-needed scoring boost, slotting him as a small forward alongside Anthony Edwards. Mitchell, meanwhile, would add depth at the backup point guard position.
This trade offers benefits for both teams. Minnesota gains the scoring help they need and additional backcourt support, while Toronto secures a quality player in Randle, who could either contribute in the short term or opt out of his contract after next season. The deal aligns with the Raptors’ rebuild and gives the Wolves the tools to elevate their competitiveness in the West.