The Minnesota Timberwolves are in the very early stages of the 2026 offseason after getting trounced by the San Antonio Spurs in Game 6 of the Western Conference semis. The Timberwolves are being encouraged by many to make some major moves this summer after falling short in the playoffs once again.
Much of the blame has been directed at power forward Julius Randle, who was brutal in five out of the six games against the Spurs, and has garnered a reputation as a major playoff dropper dating back to his time with the New York Knicks. Recently, former NBA big man and current ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins dissed Randle while highlighting his opinion that Minnesota should look to trade him.
“I would trade Julius Randle. I don't give a damn if it's for some fried catfish and a pot of gumbo,” he said, per First Take on X, formerly Twitter. “I would get him out of my locker room, because… he has become a cancer.”
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The Timberwolves' decision to trade for Randle in exchange for Karl-Anthony Towns to offseasons ago was widely panned at the time, and although Minnesota made a second straight conference finals in 2025, they bowed out a round earlier this year, with Randle's struggles to initiate offense being a big reason why.
At this point, it's unclear what the potential trade market might look like for Randle, considering his undeniable postseason struggles, hefty salary, and the fact that he didn't exactly fit the “pace and space” style of play that teams are so keen to embrace in 2026.
However, it certainly wouldn't be a shock to see the Timberwolves front office pick up the phone and make calls on the veteran power forward this summer.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are in the very early stages of the 2026 offseason after getting trounced by the San Antonio Spurs in Game 6 of the Western Conference semis. The Timberwolves are being encouraged by many to make some major moves this summer after falling short in the playoffs once again.