Heat reportedly interested in trading for three-time All-Star forward from Timberwolves

NBA: Denver Nuggets at Minnesota Timberwolves
Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The Miami Heat are dealing with a very tough situation. The Jimmy Butler drama has created a big distraction for a team that is floating in the middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference, and they must put an end to the saga in order to get their focus back on basketball.

The Heat have expressed interest in Julius Randle

One way they can move on from the disgruntled Butler is by making a trade for a three-time All-Star. SNY’s Ian Begley reported Tuesday that Miami has expressed interest in Julius Randle, and that acquiring him in exchange for Butler is something that is very possible.

“The Jimmy Butler saga is the biggest trade story at the moment ahead of the trade deadline. According to reports, the Suns and/or Heat have talked to several teams about a three, four, or five-team deal involving Butler,” Begley said. “Keep an eye on Minnesota in a Butler deal. In the offseason, the Heat were one of the teams that expressed interest in trading for Julius Randle, per SNY sources. Randle has remained on the Heat’s radar during the Butler saga, sources say.”

Dec 8, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA;  Minnesota Timberwolves forward-center Julius Randle (30) drives to the basket against Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) in the first period at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Randle was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves just before the start of training camp in a blockbuster deal that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks. His first season in Minnesota hasn’t gone as well as they would have hoped, and with him set to enter free agency this summer, Minnesota could look to move him in anticipation of him signing elsewhere in the offseason.

This season, he is averaging 18.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 45 games. While those are solid numbers overall, they are a noticeable difference from his stats with the Knicks. Across five seasons with the Knicks, Randle made the All-Star team three times and an All-NBA twice, and averaged 22.6 points, 9.9 rebounds and 4.7 assists on 45% shooting from the floor and 33% from three.

Randle could be an intriguing fit with the Heat

Despite that, he could still be an impactful addition for Miami and would be a solid Butler replacement. While he is playing below his All-Star self in Minnesota, the fit on the roster with Rudy Gobert in the frontcourt is a big part of why his production has slipped.

NBA: Orlando Magic at Miami Heat
Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Playing alongside Bam Adebayo would make them one of the better frontcourt pairings in the league, as both players are versatile offensive players who also can grab a ton of rebounds. Going from Butler to Randle would be a downgrade on the defensive side, but they need more offensive creators on the roster, especially with guard Terry Rozier playing below his standards.

Ultimately, teams will be calling the Heat constantly as they weigh out potential Butler trades. A deal with the Timberwolves could work out for both sides if they choose to work something out.

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