The Minnesota Timberwolves are actively attempting to pair franchise guard Anthony Edwards with a new co-star following a disappointing second-round playoff exit. According to unconfirmed reports, the front office is gauging the market for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and the No. 28 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, as noted in unconfirmed reports by BasketNews detailing HoopsHype reporter Michael Scotto’s findings.
Randle and DiVincenzo arrived in Minnesota two years ago as the core return in the blockbuster trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks. Now, the organization is looking to flip those exact assets. Randle struggled heavily during the 2026 postseason, averaging just 16.0 points on 39 percent shooting across 12 games before the San Antonio Spurs eliminated Minnesota in a six-game series.
Moving this specific package comes with immediate logistical hurdles. DiVincenzo stepped up as the primary ball-handler during the 2025-26 regular season but suffered a torn Achilles in Game 4 of the first round against the Denver Nuggets. He is expected to miss the entire 2026-27 season and is entering the final year of an expiring $12.5 million contract. Meanwhile, Randle is operating on a three-year, $100 million extension.
The front office faces a specific set of transactional hurdles to execute a deal:
- Overcoming the immediate negative value of DiVincenzo’s severe injury and expiring contract structure.
- Finding a suitor willing to absorb Randle’s lucrative extension following his inefficient playoff shooting performance.
- Packaging the No. 28 overall pick to sufficiently sweeten the outgoing compensation for a premium target.
The injured status of DiVincenzo and Randle’s ball-dominant playstyle complicate the return value on the open market. Analysts indicate it will be extremely difficult to secure established All-Stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard, or Kyrie Irving with an injured trade package as the centerpiece.
Despite these limitations, rival scouts suggest the front office is casting a wide net to find a reliable fit next to Edwards. Minnesota is also evaluating secondary deals, including potential depth trades with the Phoenix Suns involving Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale, or bolder moves tied to Grizzlies guard Ja Morant.