Timberwolves’ trade for Julius Randle of a year ago looking like win-win

When the Timberwolves dealt Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks last summer for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and a draft pick, it raised plenty of eyebrows. But as training camp nears, the deal looks like one that could set Minnesota up for balance and depth heading into 2025-26.

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.

They avoided the second apron this summer while keeping Jaden McDaniels, Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid — a scenario that would have been nearly impossible with Towns still on the payroll.

The trade also delivered a first-round pick from Detroit, which conveyed and became rookie big man Joan Beringer. 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.

DiVincenzo’s 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.

With Mike Conley entering his age-38 season, DiVincenzo could push for a starting spot. The other wild card is sophomore guard Rob Dillingham, though the Wolves may prefer to bring him along slowly on a team with title aspirations.

For Minnesota, 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.

By the Numbers

• Randle’s cap hit vs. Towns: ~$5M less in 2024/25

• DiVincenzo hot stretch: 17.5 PPG, 42% from three over six games

• Beringer draft slot: Pistons’ pick conveyed, landed at No. 20

• Key extensions kept intact: McDaniels, Gobert, Reid