Examining How Losing Julius Randle, Naz Reid Will Impact Timberwolves

This offseason, it was clear that one of the goals the Minnesota Timberwolves had was to find a reliable second option to place alongside Anthony Edwards. Minnesota has had issues in the postseason taking pressure off Edwards to succeed, but after trading for former Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball, that could be resolved. 

To trade for LaMelo Ball, the Timberwolves' front office traded away two key pieces in the frontcourt, and it could impact them next season.  

Forward Julius Randle was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, and forward Naz Reid was traded to the Charlotte Hornets as part of the LaMelo Ball deal. 

Reid and Randle were not necessarily the second option the Timberwolves were looking for, as their overall production went down at times when they were needed, but they were key contributors to the frontcourt’s offense. 

Last season, Julius Randle finished the year averaging 21.1 points per game. This is a player who can pass the ball well and can create for himself on offense. Defensively, he can hold his own as well because of his big frame. 

Naz Reid is coming off an injury-riddled season, but if he is back to being fully healthy, he’s reliable. There have been times in the past when Reid has had to pick up the slack for the Timberwolves offensively, but this past season, a nagging shoulder injury kept him limited in the playoffs. 

Minnesota’s new approach will cause teams to prioritize defending the perimeter more than the frontcourt. With Reid and Randle, teams had to worry about their presence in the interior, but now teams will need to figure out how to contain LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards. 

Both Randle and Reid will likely be productive on their new teams, as they’re both capable of scoring at least 20 points per game, but they did not fit what Minnesota was looking for. 

Adding a player like LaMelo Ball gives more liberty to Anthony Edwards and the rest of the starting lineup because of his playmaking ability. If Ball can find his role early with the Timberwolves and he continues to set up his teammates for success, this is going to be a team that will look to compete in the Western Conference. 

Minnesota’s front office replaced Naz Reid and Julius Randle with players who are not as productive but give the team the upside to be a top team in the West.