"Rival executives believe the Timberwolves will be seeking a Julius Randle trade before the deadline for a better on-court fit alongside Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert," Sidery reported Thursday. "Randle has a $30.9 million player option for next season many around the NBA are expecting him to pick up."

Minnesota Timberwolves veteran guard Mike Conley has seen it before. His team, still searching for their new identity in the aftermath of the Julius Randle - Karl-Anthony Towns trade, has stumbled through the first half of the season to the tune of a 23-21 start to the season.

It works from a financial standpoint because the two second-apron teams involved (Minnesota and Milwaukee) shed salary, while the Pistons (who have plenty of cap space) take on Randle, the most expensive player in the deal.

In a shocking turn of events, they decided to salary-dump Karl-Anthony Towns in a trade with the New York Knicks. Needless to say, trading away your second-best player will take a toll on your chances of competing. Julius Randle isn't to blame for the team's debacle, but he hasn't been a good fit next to Rudy Gobert.

Julius Randle's son Kyden, who just turned eight last month, has been seen alongside the Minnesota Timberwolves forward in several sporting events.

In a proposed trade, Minnesota moves forward Julius Randle to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for R.J. Barrett and Davion Mitchell. While this trade works financially, realistically, the Wolves would have to add some future draft picks to make this transaction more enticing for the Raptors.

Randle played a secondary role in the Timberwolves’ 116-99 win, taking a backseat in the spotlight as Anthony Edwards dazzled with 36 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists.

The Timberwolves fumbled it all, says Kendrick Perkins, due to their decision to trade away Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks.

Julius Randle speaks about the Knicks trade to the Timberwolves and reflects on his time in New York and his new journey in Minnesota.

A proposed three-team trade could swap three different star forwards. The Wolves would acquire Brandon Ingram, New Orleans gets Miles Bridges, and Charlotte acquires Julius Randle . While this trade works due to contracts, all three teams would have to add another player or some future draft capital to sweeten up the deal.

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) shoots at the basket as Boston Celtics forwards Xavier Tillman (26) and Jayson Tatum (0) defend in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) AP