Former Knicks All-Star predicted to get dumped by Wolves: ‘Hasn’t looked good’

Are the Minnesota Timberwolves already looking to move on from a three-time All-Star they acquired just a few months ago?

Things aren’t amazing with Anthony Edwards and Co. right now. The Wolves were 24-21 entering Monday, far worse than almost everyone expected after an impressive playoff run.

Then again, Minnesota had Karl-Anthony Towns last year.

Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz suggested on Monday that while moving on from KAT might end up being beneficial financially in the long run, the Wolves should probably head back out into the trade market in the next two weeks to move the best player they got in the Towns trade: Julius Randle.

“The Julius Randle-Karl-Anthony Towns swap hasn’t looked good to this point (although it may have been necessary financially), with Randle’s swing rating (minus-0.1, 50th percentile via Cleaning the Glass) not resembling that of a No. 2 option on a team trying to win a title,” Swartz said.

“Randle’s raw numbers have been fine (18.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists a game), although the Wolves’ starting lineup with him has been remarkably average (plus-1.8 net rating).”

“With Randle potentially becoming a free agent this summer ($30.9 million player option), Minnesota may need to see what it can get for the 30-year-old now before committing big money to him or watching him leave for nothing.”

“The Wolves can shop Randle and his $33.1 million essentially expiring contract now while using the first-round pick acquired from the Knicks (2025 first-rounder via Detroit Pistons, top-13 protected) to bring in a better-fitting power forward or scoring wing to help Anthony Edwards shoulder the offensive load.”

“Randle is still a good player and can help a lot of teams as a starting power forward, although he no longer looks the part of a No. 2 option now in his 30s. Expect the Wolves to trade their three-time All-Star.”

What could Minny ostensibly get for Randle? It’s tough to say what his value on the market is, but a contender like the Milwaukee Bucks might welcome Randle aboard their ship for a rental.

Then again, Randle could still choose to opt in to his player option for 2025-26.

The Wolves are in a weird place right now, and team chemistry has been messed up. Sending Randle somewhere else might provide the team with some much-needed clarity of identity as they gear up for another postseason run.