The Charlotte Hornets, as constructed, are positioned to be among the weaker teams in the Eastern Conference this season. Although they are led by an incredibly talented young star in LaMelo Ball, along with a capable forward in Miles Bridges, the Hornets may not have the necessary roster strength to emerge as a competitive team.
Given that the Eastern Conference will feature a fresh opportunity for lower-ranked teams to rise, with top-tier teams falling out of contention due to injuries, the Hornets could also look to capitalize on this opportunity, specifically by facilitating a trade to boost their roster strength.
With this in mind, Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey presented an interesting trade idea for the Hornets to acquire Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle. Here’s Bailey’s trade proposal:
Proposed Trade Details
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Julius Randle
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: Collin Sexton, Pat Connaughton, 2026 second-round pick (DEN or GSW), 2027 second-round pick (NOP or POR), 2029 second-round pick (DEN)
In his article, Bailey notes that facilitating a trade involving the Wolves was a challenge, adding that this trade presented some fit issues. Before exploring the shortcomings of this scenario, let’s explore the potential merits for the teams involved.
Why Should The Wolves Do This Trade?
Engaging in a trade with the Charlotte Hornets may not present much benefit on paper, but there is some merit involved for the Timberwolves.
Even though Minnesota doesn’t necessarily need them, the addition of three second-round draft picks could be viewed positively, especially if it involves parting with Julius Randle. In this regard, it is the player assets that have much more merit.
Collin Sexton and Pat Connaughton have proven themselves to be solid rotation players. Given their limited depth in the point guard rotation, the Wolves could look to make a notable upgrade to support Mike Conley by acquiring Sexton.
Sexton has positioned himself as a tenacious defender and an extremely hardworking player. In the 2024-25 season, the 26-year-old averaged 18.4 points, 4.2 assists, and 0.7 steals per game, shooting 48.0% from the field and 40.6% from three-point range.
Sexton’s acquisition would provide Minnesota with flexibility in the point guard rotation. With the possibility of Conley being moved to the bench, the Wolves would boast a much deeper rotation, allowing them to sustain their offensive production.
Additionally, the Timberwolves would acquire a veteran with title experience in Connaughton. Although he isn’t an extremely productive player, Connaughton makes earnest contributions off the bench. Last season, he averaged 5.3 points and 2.7 rebounds per game on 46.9% shooting from the field.
It would be difficult for Connaughton to earn minutes with the team’s main rotation. However, as a presence in the locker room, he could still be considered solid.
With Randle’s departure, the Wolves could consider promoting Naz Reid to the starting lineup to replace him. Given how talented the big man has shown himself to be, this decision could also boost their production.
How Does Julius Randle Help The Hornets?
Julius Randle’s addition could be a significant boost to the Hornets’ rotation, although Bailey does note that there could be a role clash with Miles Bridges.
Randle is a formidable frontcourt presence. Known for utilizing his strength to bully his way into the paint, the three-time All-Star has established himself as a capable scorer and rebounder. Aside from his efficiency going downhill, the forward has also developed a reliable perimeter threat, allowing him to play a flexible role in a variety of settings.
Last season, Randle averaged 18.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 0.7 steals per game, shooting 48.5% from the field and 34.4% from three-point range.
On the Hornets, Randle’s versatility and experience could be valuable. While slotting in next to Ball and Bridges, his scoring and playmaking skills could help increase the offensive options, subsequently improving their production.
Additionally, by inserting the three-time All-Star in the starting lineup, the Hornets would become a much longer team, giving them a greater chance of winning possessions by fighting for rebounds.
Why Doesn’t This Trade Work?
Even Bailey found it challenging to facilitate a trade for the Wolves, as he mentioned looking at Rudy Gobert as the primary trade target. Unfortunately, the limited interest in the big man makes him a difficult asset to move, thus forcing the analyst to facilitate trades involving Randle.
Bailey himself didn’t seem too convinced of this trade, noting that Randle’s move to Charlotte would be a “wonky fit”. This holds, since the Hornets’ current structure raises some questions regarding their approach to the season.
While there is still some merit for the Wolves to acquire a backup/replacement for Conley, giving up Randle may not align with their plans to contend for the title.
Led by Anthony Edwards, Minnesota will be looking to make it out of the West in the upcoming season. Considering how important Randle’s addition has been for the team, the decision to offer him an extension this offseason only displays the team’s commitment to having him remain in the rotation.
