Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
3-Team Mock Trade Sends Julius Randle To The Los Angeles Clippers
In the NBA Right now, bold moves often determine a franchise’s trajectory. There could be a proposed three-team trade involving the Los Angeles Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Atlanta Hawks that could give each team what they need. Each team targets specific needs: the Clippers need a versatile All-Star-caliber player to boost their playoff hopes, the Timberwolves need to deepen their roster around Anthony Edwards after trading Karl-Anthony Towns, and the Hawks might need to fully commit to a long-term rebuild.
This mutually beneficial trade reflects the strategic priorities of all three franchises, showcasing why such a deal makes sense for each organization. We have a proposed mock trade on the table that could bring each team what they need and it involves some high-profile names including Julius Randle.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Julius Randle
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: Derrick Jones Jr., Larry Nance Jr., Bones Hyland
Atlanta Hawks Receive: PJ Tucker, Kobe Brown, 2026 Second-Round Pick (MIN), 2031 Second-Round Pick (LAC)
Los Angeles Clippers Gear Up For A Playoff Run With Julius Randle
The Los Angeles Clippers have long been on the cusp of championship contention, but health issues with Kawhi Leonard (who has yet to play a game) have left them vulnerable. James Harden has done his best to carry the team (14-10), posting 21.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game on 33.8% from three and he is getting help from Norman Powell who is adding 23.9 points per game on a scintillating 50.7% from deep.
Adding Julius Randle provides the Clippers with a durable star who is averaging 20.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game so far this season. Randle's ability to score in isolation, crash the boards, and stretch the floor (with a modest 35.6% from three) makes him a perfect complement to Leonard, Harden, and Powell. Of course, Randle will plug the gap while Leonard recovers and gives the Clippers a chance to climb the standings despite the injury concerns.
Beyond his individual skills, Randle brings reliability; he has played 22 games this season, a sharp contrast to the Clippers' injury woes as Leonard has yet to suit up. His presence as a high-usage forward gives the team another offensive engine, reducing the pressure on Leonard and George while diversifying their attack. Coach Tyronn Lue could employ Randle in pick-and-pop scenarios, enabling the Clippers to exploit mismatches against smaller defenders in crucial playoff moments.
The move also signals a commitment to a win-now mindset. While the Clippers part with Derrick Jones Jr’s athleticism, Randle’s immediate impact and All-Star pedigree align with the team’s urgent championship timeline. If the Clippers stay healthy, the addition of Randle could be the missing piece in an already deep roster poised for a deep playoff run.
Minnesota Timberwolves Add Depth In A Long-Term Outlook Around Anthony Edwards
For the Timberwolves, this trade strengthens their roster with complementary pieces that fit their timeline around budding superstar Anthony Edwards. The Timberwolves are struggling to get back to their title contention last year, currently owning a 12-10 record and looking a shell of themselves since trading Karl-Anthony Towns because Julius Randle is not the right fit.
Derrick Jones Jr. and Larry Nance Jr. add versatility to the frontcourt, with Jones offering elite athleticism and defensive flexibility, and Nance contributing rebounding and passing skills, evident in his 7.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.8 steals per game this season. Bones Hyland, a dynamic young guard, is averaging 6.1 points and 0.7 steals this season in only 8.4 minutes per game, providing the Wolves with a scoring punch off the bench.
This deal also helps balance the Wolves’ roster, easing the departure of Towns and the duo of Naz Reid and Rudy Gobert. Jones and Nance are cost-effective players who can thrive in a system that prioritizes pace and defensive versatility. Hyland's offensive upside aligns with the Wolves’ aspirations to develop a roster capable of competing in the crowded Western Conference for years to come.
By acquiring younger, role-specific players, Minnesota focuses on sustainable growth. These additions ensure that Edwards has the support he needs without mortgaging future assets. If Hyland blossoms into a strong competitor off the bench and Jones’ defense elevates the team’s transition game, the Wolves could emerge as a deeper, more cohesive squad.
Atlanta Hawks Embrace The Tanking Efforts
The Atlanta Hawks have signaled an openness to pivot toward rebuilding despite their relatively decent 13-11 record considering the team's current talent pool, and this trade furthers that strategy. In exchange for moving role players and veterans, the Hawks receive PJ Tucker, a proven leader and defensive specialist, along with rookie forward Kobe Brown and two valuable second-round picks. Tucker’s championship experience could serve as a steadying influence in a young locker room, even if his role on the court is limited.
Kobe Brown, selected No. 30 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, has shown flashes of potential as a stretch forward, shooting 37% from deep during his senior year at Missouri although he has yet to take off in the NBA. His development will be crucial as the Hawks aim to identify core pieces for their rebuild alongside rising stars like Jalen Johnson, Zaccharise Risacher, and Onyeka Okongwu. The draft picks provide additional flexibility to package assets or unearth undervalued talent, an area where the Hawks have excelled historically.
This trade also aligns with Atlanta's broader strategy of increasing their draft capital while offloading salary. By moving away from competing for immediate playoff berths, the Hawks position themselves for a high lottery pick in the loaded 2025 NBA Draft. If executed correctly, this rebuilding effort could yield the franchise's next superstar, setting the stage for a brighter future.
Of course, all eyes will be on Trae Young, the team’s current star who is posting 21.2 points and 12.3 assists per game on an average Hawks team right now. If Young wants to be a part of a rebuild, that would accelerate the franchise’s efforts but the goal could be to set themselves up to start losing games and focus on potentially being in a position to acquire Cooper Flagg, for example.
An Impressive Win-Win-Win Trade
This trade epitomizes the balance of ambition and pragmatism that defines successful NBA transactions. For the Clippers, acquiring Julius Randle represents a bold move to fortify their championship aspirations. By adding a durable, high-impact forward, they signal their readiness to compete at the highest level, even in a loaded Western Conference. The gamble on Randle’s offensive versatility and ability to shoulder a significant workload could be the spark that elevates this team from perennial contenders to legitimate favorites.
The Timberwolves take a strategic step forward by adding valuable depth to their roster. Derrick Jones Jr., Larry Nance Jr., and Bones Hyland not only complement Anthony Edwards but also provide a foundation of young talent and role-specific contributors to support the team's evolution. This move prioritizes balance, ensuring the Wolves remain competitive while leaving room for future growth and financial flexibility in a rapidly changing league landscape.
For the Hawks, this trade is an acknowledgment of the need to rebuild strategically. By acquiring picks and focusing on player development, Atlanta positions itself to contend in the future while preserving cap flexibility. Moves like these are necessary for long-term success, and the Hawks’ willingness to embrace a rebuild with patience and foresight could pay dividends. The alignment of immediate benefits and long-term goals across all three teams underscores why this proposed deal is a rare win-win-win for everyone involved.
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