![\"Julius](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/randle1206.jpg\")
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When the Timberwolves dealt Karl-Anthony Towns<\/a> to the Knicks last summer for Julius Randle<\/a>, Donte DiVincenzo<\/a> and a draft pick, it raised plenty of eyebrows. But as training camp nears, the deal looks like one that could set Minnesota up<\/a> for balance and depth heading into 2025-26.<\/p>\n Randle closed last season strong, including a standout first-round showing against the Lakers. Just as valuable, his smaller contract has given the Wolves more flexibility under the cap.<\/p>\n They avoided the second apron this summer while keeping Jaden McDaniels<\/a>, Rudy Gobert<\/a> and Naz Reid<\/a> \u2014 a scenario that would have been nearly impossible with Towns still on the payroll.<\/p>\n The trade also delivered a first-round pick from Detroit, which conveyed and became rookie big man Joan Beringer<\/a>. He may open the year in Iowa with the G League but is expected to spend much of the season behind Gobert, Randle and Reid.<\/p>\n DiVincenzo\u2019s first season in Minnesota had ups and downs, but he showed flashes in a six-game stretch where he played point guard, averaging 17.5 points and shooting 42 percent from deep.<\/p>\n With Mike Conley<\/a> entering his age-38 season, DiVincenzo could push for a starting spot. The other wild card is sophomore guard Rob Dillingham<\/a>, though the Wolves may prefer to bring him along slowly on a team with title aspirations.<\/p>\n For Minnesota<\/a>, the Towns trade is shaping up as a deal that kept the core intact while adding depth and flexibility. The real test begins when camp opens.<\/p>\n By the Numbers<\/p>\n Randle\u2019s cap hit vs. Towns: ~$5M less in 2024\/25<\/p>\n DiVincenzo hot stretch: 17.5 PPG, 42% from three over six games<\/p>\n Beringer draft slot: Pistons\u2019 pick conveyed, landed at No. 20<\/p>\n Key extensions kept intact: McDaniels, Gobert, Reid<\/p>\n Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?<\/p>\n Be sure to follow Hoops Wire<\/a> on TWITTER<\/a>\u00a0and FACEBOOK<\/a>\u00a0for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!<\/p>\n