Lakers Rumors: Which trade destination is the best for Julius Randle
By Jason Reed
1. Minnesota Timberwolves
I have been pushing the idea that the Timberwolves and the Lakers will do business for quite some time now. Needing a power forward, that business could, in fact, include Julius Randle, and could help both parties quite nicely. Not only does this deal make the most sense for both sides, it puts Randle in perhaps the best realistic situation he can be in.
More from Lakers Rumors
- Lakers: 5 Players to Target Through Trades to make another championship run
- Lakers Rumors: Los Angeles Clippers interested in Rajon Rondo
- Lakers Rumors: Jason Kidd no longer being considered for Pelicans job
- Lakers Rumors: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Rajon Rondo expected to opt out
- Lakers Rumors: Golden State Warriors interested in Dwight Howard
The Minnesota Timberwolves are going to be very good in the very near future, mark my words. With Karl Anthony-Towns and Andrew Wiggins, this team will be special. Another perfect fit for this team, alongside Randle, is rookie point guard Lonzo Ball. Ball is a better scoring Ricky Rubio, which is exactly what the Timberwolves need.
So, the Timberwolves may be pressed to move up in the NBA Draft. There is no way Ball would fall to seventh overall, so they would need to move up. This is where they swap picks with the Lakers, perhaps overpaying, but creating the best possible team.
The trade would likely send Randle and the second overall pick in exchange for the seventh overall pick, Zach Lavine and maybe even Ricky Rubio. If Magic Johnson could somehow get Rubio and Lavine in this deal, and the seventh overall pick, the Lakers would be in great shape.
Not only that, the Timberwolves would now have Ball, Wiggins, Randle, and Towns to lead the way. That is a dangerous foursome if I have ever seen it, and would genuinely make both sides better.
Next: Each Lakers chance of being dealt
Overall, the Lakers rumors regarding a potential trade will never stop circling. However, as they continue, now you know which new homes would be the best for Julius Randle.