The Minnesota Timberwolves’ Julius Randle era has not gone well since they acquired him from the New York Knicks. Randle has taken much of the blame for their team’s regression. Whether he deserves it or not, he’s often mentioned in trade scenarios.

All hope might not be lost. According to SNY’s Ian Begley, the Miami Heat are reportedly interested in Randle. The Timberwolves can help them get their guy while also helping resolve the Jimmy Butler drama in Miami.

ESPN proposed a three-way trade between the Timberwolves, Heat, and Denver Nuggets that would send Randle to the Heat, remove Butler from Miami, and give the Timberwolves some perimeter help.

Nuggets get: Butler, Josh Richardson

Heat get: Randle, Michael Porter Jr., Zeke Nnaji, Vlatko Cancar

Timberwolves get: Russell Westbrook, Duncan Robinson, Haywood Highsmith

Minnesota would get a talent downgrade, but if they agreed to this trade, their rationale would be that those players fit their roster better than Randle. Robinson and Highsmith have helped Miami reach the NBA Finals in recent years. Westbrook has been solid in Denver, though there’s no telling if he’d match that same production in Minnesota.

It would be difficult to see the Timberwolves not also accepting a first-round pick or two for their troubles because the two best players in this trade proposal are going to the other two teams.

Things haven’t worked out with Randle, but the Timberwolves have another year to decide their intentions with him. They aren’t desperate to trade him and probably want an upgrade if he were put on the market.

The Timberwolves want players who fit well next to Anthony Edwards. Randle hasn’t necessarily been that, but trading him for this package hurts their ceiling. They could try to trade him for a player who isn’t as talented and fits better, but that might not be worth such a significant dropoff in overall talent.

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