In one of the more surprising moves of the 2024 offseason, the New York Knicks traded Julius Randle to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Karl-Anthony Towns. While this shakeup was huge for both teams, there is a chance Randle might not be a long-term fit in Minnesota, given his style of play and how he meshes with the current roster.
If the fit doesn’t work out, one team that could come calling is the Los Angeles Clippers. With the Clippers in need of a physical presence like Randle in their frontcourt, this potential blockbuster trade could be exactly what they need to stay competitive in the West
Mock Trade
Timberwolves receive: Jerami Grant, 2031 First-Round Pick (Clippers)
Blazers receive: Norman Powell, Derrick Jones Jr., 2025 Second-Round Pick (Nuggets), 2025 Second-Round Pick (Jazz)
Clippers receive: Julius Randle
This potential trade would provide the Timberwolves with a versatile forward in Jerami Grant, while giving the Clippers the star power of Julius Randle in their frontcourt. For the Blazers, this move adds more depth with Norman Powell returning and Derrick Jones Jr. offering more versatility.
Jerami Grant Could Fit Better Next To Gobert
The Minnesota Timberwolves made a bold move in acquiring Julius Randle, but there’s already speculation that his fit alongside Rudy Gobert might not work out as planned. Randle is a dominant player who thrives in the paint, and with Gobert’s inability to stretch the floor, the two could end up clogging the lanes. This lack of spacing might limit the offensive flow, particularly for Anthony Edwards, who excels when given room to attack the basket. The Timberwolves need someone who can play next to Gobert without getting in his way, and that’s where Jerami Grant comes in.
Grant is a much more versatile player in terms of floor spacing and defense. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 21.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, while shooting 40.2% from three-point range. His ability to hit threes consistently makes him a much better fit next to Gobert, as he can spread the floor and create more driving lanes for Edwards and the Timberwolves’ guards. With Grant stretching defenses out to the perimeter, the Wolves’ offense could become much more fluid, and Edwards would have the space he needs to dominate as a slasher.
Defensively, Grant is also a major upgrade in versatility. He can guard multiple positions, which makes him the perfect complement to Gobert’s interior presence. While Gobert can focus on protecting the rim, Grant can cover wings and power forwards, providing a more balanced defensive scheme for the Timberwolves. Randle, while a solid player, lacks the same defensive versatility that Grant brings, making the latter a better fit for a team like the Timberwolves that values defensive prowess.
Moreover, rumors about Grant’s future in Portland have been swirling since the offseason. The Blazers are rebuilding and could look to move Grant for younger assets and picks. This gives the Timberwolves a prime opportunity to swoop in and make a trade if the Randle-Gobert experiment doesn’t pan out. Grant’s skill set aligns more closely with what the Timberwolves need—a player who can stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and complement their star players without taking away from their strengths.
The Blazers Secure Depth and Future Assets
The Portland Trail Blazers’ strategy is clear: surround their young core of Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and recent draft pick Donovan Clingan with experienced veterans while accumulating future assets. Norman Powell, who previously played in Portland, brings scoring and shooting, while Derrick Jones adds athleticism and defense. The two second-round picks give the Blazers additional flexibility, whether they choose to package them in future trades or add more young talent.
The Blazers are well-positioned for a long-term rebuild, and this deal aligns perfectly with that vision. Scoot Henderson is at the center of their plans, with Sharpe and Clingan showing promise. Adding experienced players like Powell and Jones complements the development of this young trio, ensuring that the team stays competitive without sacrificing the long-term goal of building a contender. Furthermore, the extra picks help the Trail Blazers maintain a strong draft capital base, setting the stage for future moves that can improve their roster.
By securing these assets, the Trail Blazers can continue to develop their youth while keeping their options open. This type of move allows them to stay flexible in a rapidly changing NBA landscape, and they could look to either use these picks or continue to leverage them in trade discussions as they build a team around their future stars.
Randle Could Fill The Void Left By Paul George In The Clippers’ Core
With Paul George heading to the 76ers, the Clippers are left looking for a new cornerstone alongside Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. While Harden and Leonard are proven stars, their injury history and recent performances show that they need more help to compete in the West. That’s where Julius Randle comes in. Randle could slot in as the Clippers’ second scoring option after Leonard, providing a versatile offensive threat that they’ve missed since George’s departure.
Randle had a strong 2023-24 season before a shoulder injury derailed his campaign, averaging 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists over 46 games. His scoring inside and outside, along with his rebounding, makes him an ideal fit for a team like the Clippers that needs consistent production alongside its stars. His ability to handle the ball and initiate offense would take some pressure off Leonard and Harden, giving the team a more balanced attack.
However, Randle’s shoulder injury is a concern. After undergoing surgery, he missed the second half of the season and the playoffs. Although he’s expected to make a full recovery, questions remain about whether he can stay healthy. The Clippers, already dealing with Leonard’s injury history, would need to monitor Randle closely if they decide to bring him in.
In terms of fit, Randle’s ability to score both in the paint and on the perimeter could mesh well with Leonard and Harden’s playmaking. The Clippers need a reliable second option to support Leonard, and Randle has shown he can be that guy when healthy. His toughness and versatility would give them a much-needed edge, especially in the competitive Western Conference.
Ultimately, Randle could be a perfect addition to the Clippers, helping them fill the gap left by George. If he recovers fully, his all-around game would provide a huge boost as the team aims to stay competitive with its current core.
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