"Rival executives believe the Timberwolves will be seeking a Julius Randle trade before the deadline for a better on-court fit alongside Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert," Sidery reported Thursday. "Randle has a $30.9 million player option for next season many around the NBA are expecting him to pick up."

Minnesota Timberwolves veteran guard Mike Conley has seen it before. His team, still searching for their new identity in the aftermath of the Julius Randle - Karl-Anthony Towns trade, has stumbled through the first half of the season to the tune of a 23-21 start to the season.

It works from a financial standpoint because the two second-apron teams involved (Minnesota and Milwaukee) shed salary, while the Pistons (who have plenty of cap space) take on Randle, the most expensive player in the deal.

The Wolves’ ability to overwhelm teams with a double-big lineup of Towns and Gobert is gone as Randle isn’t a floor spacer and isn’t a true big. He’s a wrecking ball power forward who is best with the ball in his hands.

MORE WOLVES NEWS: Ranking top 4 trade deadline destinations for Timberwolves star Julius Randle (No. 4)

In a shocking turn of events, they decided to salary-dump Karl-Anthony Towns in a trade with the New York Knicks. Needless to say, trading away your second-best player will take a toll on your chances of competing. Julius Randle isn't to blame for the team's debacle, but he hasn't been a good fit next to Rudy Gobert.

Julius Randle's son Kyden, who just turned eight last month, has been seen alongside the Minnesota Timberwolves forward in several sporting events.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are struggling to build chemistry this season after cornerstone forward Karl-Anthony Towns was traded to New York in the offseason.

If Minnesota decides they’re better off without him, Bleacher Report floated a three-way trade between the Timberwolves, Chicago Bulls, and Golden State Warriors. The trade was predicated on the belief that Randle isn’t a long-term player for Minnesota and that the Timberwolves will shop for a point guard.

If the Minnesota Timberwolves decide to trade forward Julius Randle prior to the trade deadline, the Chicago Bulls are a perfect fit.

After the game, Randle made a heartfelt statement about the Knicks when he met with the media. Reporter: "How much fun was it last year before you got injured you guys were really