The Minnesota Timberwolves didn’t make the decision to trade Karl-Anthony Towns lightly. Towns is a former first overall pick and four-time All-Star who spent his entire career in the Twin Cities. Just as importantly, he arguably has the softest touch on his jumper, making him a rare weapon as a 7-footer. Yet, when the Timberwolves had the opportunity to send him to the New York Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, it’s a deal they couldn’t pass up.
Many have made it seem as if the inclusion of a 2025 first round pick was the icing on the cake. However, the first-rounder that the Timberwolves received comes by way of the Detroit Pistons and is top-13 protected. In other words, it’s unlikely that the pick will be conveyed next year, as the Pistons are likely to be in the bottom-third of the NBA standings. Just last season, they lost 68 games; a franchise record.
As much as Minnesota hopes that the pick they receive from New York turns into a lottery player, it’s far from a guarantee. What they know they do have is Randle, who has actually earned more All-Star selections (3) than Towns has over the past four seasons, and DiVincenzo.
New Timberwolves Star Julius Randle Talks Injury, Expectations
On Sunday, the Knicks took on the Timberwolves in a preseason matchup. Towns and Anthony Edwards exchanged jerseys, the latter even joking (?) that he would love to reunite in New York. DiVincenzo had at least two heated exchanges with members of the Knicks coaching staff.
Randle conducted a sideline interview with ESPN reporter Cassidy Hubbarth, speaking on his time in the Big Apple. He also touched on his injury status after a dislocated shoulder ended his 2023-24 campaign in late January. The 29-year-old told Hubbarth that he “feels great” and is “extremely close” to making his Timberwolves debut (h/t ESPN host Malika Andrews).
Julius Randle tells @CassidyHubbarth he “feels great” and is “extremely close” to making his debut for the Timberwolves.
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) October 13, 2024
When he does return, he can expect to be under the microscope.
That would’ve been the case even if he had not been traded. The Knicks’ offseason moves were made with Jalen Brunson in mind, not him, which is how he became a square peg in a round hole. However, he has to prove that he belongs in Minnesota too. Because he’s not as gifted from beyond the arc as Towns, people are hyper-focused on his shot profile.
Julius Randle, Playmaker
Randle didn’t necessarily say those concerns are overblown. Yet, he makes it clear that he’s looking to be more of a playmaker than years past. Interestingly, he’s averaged 5.0 assists per game over the past four seasons, more than Towns or Edwards.
“I’ve always liked to say I’m more of a passer than a scorer,” Randle says (h/t New York Post journalist Stefan Bondy). “That’s what I genuinely like to do. That’s how I grew up playing basketball.”
“The situation here in New York, [Tom Thibodeau] needed me to score more, and I took on that responsibility…,” he continues. “But I enjoy playmaking. That’s what I enjoy doing.
And [Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch] is putting me in many different positions to play-make. And I’m excited to be able to show that. Not just from the post, getting double-teamed. Finch is moving me all over the floor, allowing me to be able show that stuff. I’m excited about that.”
Smooth and Diverse
In a recent interview, Timberwolves defensive anchor Rudy Gobert spoke about the Timberwolves playing faster and having more ball-movement after the blockbuster trade.
As those comments align with Randle’s, Minnesota probably isn’t blowing smoke. With Randle, they’re going to emphasize tempo and playmaking. They hope that the offense will be smoother and more diverse.
To that point, last season, the Timberwolves put a lot on Edwards’ plate as an on-ball playmaker and scorer. However, they really didn’t have a choice. Towns, Gobert, and Jaden McDaniels were limited in what they could accomplish off-the-dribble. Mike Conley is still a great floor general, but everyone knows he’s not trying to break down the defense to score himself.
Thus, the arrival of Randle (and DiVincenzo) takes pressure off of Edwards and the team as a whole.
