The Minnesota Timberwolves reportedly made a significant trade move on Monday after dealing Julius Randle and the No. 28 pick to the Brooklyn Nets for the No. 33 pick. It was presumably a salary-dumping move as it creates a $33 million trade exception, allowing Minnesota to acquire a player without trading contracts.
According to NBA insider Kevin O’Connor, at least five players could fit into that exception. Here’s what he said on X after the trade was reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania and salary cap expert Yossi Gozlan explained its financial benefits:
“The Timberwolves will have a traded player exception worth $33 mil. Who fits into that? Derrick White, who has recently been rumored as a target for Minnesota. Also worth thinking about: Trey Murphy, Jrue Holiday, Dejounte Murray, and Myles Turner for players in that same range.”
It’s worth noting that the Timberwolves need significant backcourt upgrades. They already needed a point guard and, during the playoffs, Donte DiVincenzo suffered an Achilles tear and is likely out for the 2026-27 NBA season. Minnesota is also reportedly eyeing Giannis Antetokounmpo.
However, the team doesn’t have lucrative assets outside Jaden McDaniels and Ayo Dosunmu. The Timberwolves would also need more moves to beat favorites like the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics to land Antetokounmpo.
Given this, at least three players suggested by O’Connor could be exceptional fits for an Anthony Edwards-led team. Derrick White is a combo guard who can defend at a high level and take pressure off Edwards.
Meanwhile, Jrue Holiday is a veteran presence who is also solid on both ends, while Dejounte Murray could be a younger candidate who is also a traditional point guard.
Timberwolves Depth Chart After Trading Julius Randle
Julius Randle’s move will now allow the Timberwolves to re-sign Ayo Dosunmu in free agency. Dosunmu proved himself a valuable asset during the NBA playoffs and given Minnesota’s need for guards, it made sense that the team chose him over Randle.
They already boast a replacement at the four with Naz Reid, who could finally become a full-time starter. Meanwhile, Terrence Shannon Jr.’s emergence would see him replace Reid off the bench.
Here’s the Wolves’ depth chart after trading Randle:
Guards: Anthony Edwards, Ayo Dosunmu (UFA), Donte DiVincenzo, Bones Hyland (UFA), Mike Conley (UFA)
Forwards: Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, Terrence Shannon Jr. (team option), Joe Ingles (UFA), Julian Phillips (UFA), Jaylen Clark (UFA)
Centers: Rudy Gobert, Joan Beringer, Kyle Anderson (UFA), Rocco Zikarsky (UFA)
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