DHJ Quick Take: Timberwolves Lean Toward Moving Julius Randle Over Rudy Gobert
Minnesota is exploring a retool around Anthony Edwards, with Julius Randle viewed as more available than Rudy Gobert.
- Who’s most likely to move? Randle, a three-time All-Star with nearly $70 million left over two seasons, is the consequential salary seen as most available.
- Who’s staying? Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid are considered off-limits despite rival interest.
- Why are the Wolves active? Minnesota wants to add perimeter shooting and playmaking and get on Edwards’ timeline.
- What’s next? The first round of the NBA Draft is Tuesday, 7 p.m. CT, ABC/ESPN, with the second round Wednesday, June 24.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are open to reshaping their roster around Anthony Edwards, and Julius Randle profiles as the most movable of their consequential salaries, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
Fischer reported that in recent conceptual trade talks, Minnesota has appeared more willing to put Randle on the table than Rudy Gobert, even as rival teams continue to covet the off-limits Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid. Randle, a three-time All-Star with two seasons and nearly $70 million left on his deal, is the player on a notable contract most widely perceived as available.
Julius Randle Leads the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Trade Candidates
Randle averaged 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 79 games this season, though he connected on just 31.5% of his 3-point attempts. The Wolves finished 49-33 and sixth in the Western Conference before bowing out in a rough second-round series against the San Antonio Spurs, denting Randle’s trade value. His ball-dominant style can be a tricky fit elsewhere, complicating Minnesota’s search for full value in any deal.
Even so, the Wolves are widely expected to move him as they look to get on Edwards’ timeline and add a shot creator and ball-handler alongside their alpha.
A year after reaching the Western Conference Finals, where the Oklahoma City Thunder eliminated them 4-1 in 2025, Minnesota has now ended consecutive postseasons short of the Finals, sharpening the front office’s appetite to retool. President of basketball operations Tim Connelly signaled at his end-of-season press conference that the front office would explore everything this summer.
Where Rudy Gobert Fits Into the Picture
Gobert, who turns 34 this month, averaged 10.9 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists with 1.6 blocks in 76 games while shooting 68.2% from the field, and he remains one of the league’s top defenders. Minnesota isn’t viewed as actively shopping him, unlike how it’s gauging Randle’s market.
The Wolves have been willing to field interest, with Boston among the teams to check in on Gobert in recent months, but Fischer’s read is that Randle is the likelier name to move. Minnesota’s broader aim is to upgrade its perimeter shooting and playmaking, the same needs shaping much of its offseason.
For now, the Timberwolves remain tight-lipped, and it’s unclear which teams hold firm interest in either big man with the draft only days away.
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