Julius Randle has played a crucial role in helping the Minnesota Timberwolves stay afloat as strong playoff contenders, asserting himself as a two-way threat in the frontcourt.

But what if the team were to consider trading the star forward, who is making $100 million with his current contract? There are avenues they can take to land some talents from other NBA squads, but there is a critical issue in getting an ideal offer.

Timberwolves’ Issue in Potential Julius Randle Trade

Randle is going through his second season with the Timberwolves, a team he joined after the New York Knicks traded him there in the 2024 offseason.

Randle maintained his form as one of the best forwards in the league, helping Minnesota reach the Western Conference Finals. However, the team’s depth issues have presented a potential scenario where the team might move on from his services.

NBA insider Brett Siegel provided some intel on trade rumors floating around the league. One of them involved Randle and the Timberwolves’ alleged interest in star guards like Darius Garland and Trae Young. However, there is a potentially significant obstacle to Minnesota pursuing such a trade deal.

“On the Timberwolves front, it is worth mentioning other guard targets they have either discussed or shown interest in over the last year. Darius Garland is a player the Wolves have inquired about since the start of the 2024-25 season, sources said. If he were to hit the market, Trae Young is another interesting name who would fill the void of a lead facilitator and playmaker in Minnesota’s backcourt,” Siegel wrote.

“There is a growing sense that the Timberwolves will sell high on Julius Randle should the right star become available before February. However, the problem with Minnesota is that they don’t have any first-round picks they can trade outright, which would be problematic with pursuing Morant or another star guard,” Siegel concluded.

Randle has been impressive 18 games into his second Timberwolves campaign. Going into Nov. 28 action, he is averaging 23.4 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game. Randle is also shooting 49.8% from the field, including 35.2% from beyond the arc, and 81.5% from the free-throw line.

Randle has proven a very solid fit alongside Anthony Edwards. However, if the team were to trade Randle, they may do it in a deal that would complement Edwards with a star guard who can ease the latter’s workload.

What Lies Ahead for Timberwolves?

It will be intriguing to see how the Timberwolves handle Randle throughout the 2025-26 campaign and the long term. In the meantime, they will look to ignite a big win streak to maintain the momentum from a solid start to the year.

Minnesota has a 10-8 record on the season as of Nov. 28, holding the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference. They are one game above the Golden State Warriors and 2.5 games above the Portland Trail Blazers while trailing the Phoenix Suns by 1.5 games and San Antonio Spurs by 2.5 games.

The Timberwolves next two matchups unfold this weekend, as they host the Boston Celtics on Saturday, Nov. 29 at 5 p.m. ET and then welcome in the Spurs on Sunday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. ET.