A blockbuster hypothetical trade sends Julius Randle to the Warriors, creating a new Death Lineup and shaking up the Western Conference.
The Timberwolves made a significant move this offseason by trading Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle, which also brought Donte DiVincenzo to Minnesota. While Towns’ departure gives the Wolves more financial flexibility, there are concerns about how well Randle will fit in with the team. Last season, Randle averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists before undergoing shoulder surgery, but his style of play might not mesh well with Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert.
If Randle struggles to find his place early on, the Wolves may consider trading him to seek a better fit. One potential destination is the Warriors, where Randle’s scoring ability and toughness could enhance Golden State’s favored small-ball lineup.
Proposed Trade
Timberwolves Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Trayce Jackson-Davis, 2026 First-Round Pick, 2028 First-Round Pick
Warriors Receive: Julius Randle
In this proposed trade, the Timberwolves gain Andrew Wiggins, a strong two-way player with championship experience, along with rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis, a talented young forward with significant potential. They also acquire two future first-round picks in 2026 and 2028, providing the team with valuable assets for future flexibility and trades. This move would offer Minnesota financial relief and the opportunity to reconfigure their roster for better synergy with their core players.
On the other hand, the Warriors would bring in Julius Randle, a dynamic and versatile power forward known for his scoring ability and toughness, enhancing their offensive capabilities alongside Steph Curry and Draymond Green. Randle’s skills in shot creation and rebounding could make him an essential component of a revamped “Death Lineup” for Golden State, positioning them for another serious championship push.
A Great Narrative For The Wolves
Andrew Wiggins’ return to the Timberwolves is an intriguing storyline that blends nostalgia with practicality. After a challenging 2024 season with the Warriors, where he averaged 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, Wiggins struggled with his shooting efficiency—particularly from beyond the arc, where he hit just 35%. Injuries and personal challenges kept him off the court and hindered him from performing at his peak. However, Wiggins remains a skilled two-way player with championship experience, and his presence in Minnesota presents new opportunities now that Karl-Anthony Towns is no longer with the team.
With Towns gone, the Timberwolves have the chance to adopt a different style, emphasizing spacing and defensive versatility. Wiggins’ ability to guard multiple positions and serve as a secondary scorer complements Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert well. Unlike Julius Randle, whose physical style can congest the paint, Wiggins contributes a more fluid element to Minnesota’s offense. His capability to move without the ball and hit shots from the perimeter gives Edwards more space to operate as the main playmaker, while Wiggins can still take advantage of cuts and fast breaks. This improved spacing benefits Gobert in the paint and allows Edwards to drive without the concern of being crowded by another post-oriented player like Randle.
Naz Reid will also thrive in this new setup, stepping into the power forward position left vacant by Towns. Reid has already shown promise as a floor spacer, shooting 41% from three-point range in 2024, and his agility makes him a dynamic option alongside Gobert. He’ll have more chances to play a hybrid role, blending his perimeter skills with intermittent post-ups—something Towns excelled at but that Reid can execute consistently in this revamped lineup.
Trayce Jackson-Davis joins the fray as a promising backup for Gobert. With his skills as a rebounder and defender, Jackson-Davis has the potential to become a dependable rotational player, providing depth and insurance behind Gobert. His contributions on the glass and defensively will help Minnesota maintain a strong interior presence when Gobert is on the bench. Together with Reid, Jackson-Davis enhances the Timberwolves’ frontcourt depth, creating a more versatile rotation that can adapt to various opponents while staying true to their defensive-first identity.
Ultimately, a potential trade involving Randle for Wiggins and Jackson-Davis, along with future picks, gives the Timberwolves flexibility for both the present and the future. Wiggins’ return enhances offensive flow and spacing, while the depth provided by Reid and Jackson-Davis gives them a solid foundation. Without Towns and Randle, the Wolves can focus on playing a fast, modern style of basketball centered around their emerging star, Anthony Edwards.
A Dynamic Warriors Lineup
New Warriors “Death Lineup”: Stephen Curry, Buddy Hield, Jonathan Kuminga, Julius Randle, Draymond Green
The potential inclusion of Julius Randle could revitalize the Warriors’ legendary “Death Lineup.” Randle offers a strong inside presence while also having the ability to stretch the floor. Despite hitting only 31.1% of his three-point attempts, his versatility and playmaking skills would be crucial for Golden State. In this proposed lineup, Randle would join forces with Stephen Curry, Buddy Hield, Jonathan Kuminga, and Draymond Green, forming a unique small-ball lineup.
This configuration would provide the Warriors with a blend of elite shooting, defensive flexibility, and offensive firepower. Curry’s floor spacing, Hield’s sharpshooting, and Green’s playmaking would enable Randle to excel in one-on-one matchups inside, especially with perimeter threats creating space. Kuminga would add athleticism and defensive prowess, complementing Randle’s strength.
While Randle’s fit may seem unconventional, it harks back to the small-ball units that propelled the Warriors to past championships. His ability to collect rebounds and lead the transition, reminiscent of Green’s style, would help Golden State maintain their fast-paced gameplay. Although Randle’s shooting efficiency isn’t top-tier, his readiness to shoot from distance would compel defenses to account for his range, opening pathways for Curry and others.
On the defensive side, while Randle might not be a premier defender, having Green and Kuminga as support could enable him to concentrate more on his offensive role. This revamped Warriors lineup could thrive by utilizing Randle’s inside-outside game, similar to previous iterations featuring small-ball power forwards. With Curry steering the offense and Randle serving as a versatile scoring threat, this lineup could elevate Golden State back into serious title contention.
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