The Bucks have struggled without Giannis Antetokounmpo on the court this season, and they may turn to the trade market for a fix. Julius Randle is a name to watch, as he’s emerged as a reliable co-star on a good contract. He’s not eligible to be traded until December 15, but the Bucks could look to pry him from the Timberwolves after that with a big offer.
Julius Randle is exactly what the Bucks need
Randle has been excellent this season; he’s averaging 23 points, 7.5 rebounds, and six assists per game. He’s also been very efficient - 50 percent from the field, 36 percent from three, and 81 percent from the free throw line. Importantly, Randle can fit in next to another star or create his own offense.
In Minnesota, he’s played a secondary role next to a ball-dominant superstar in Anthony Edwards. Randle’s shooting at his size and ability to take advantage of size mismatches make him a great complementary piece. Even when Edwards is leading the offense, Randle can still provide value as a shooter and screener.
But Randle can also take on more workload when needed. In games without Edwards this season, he’s increased his scoring to 27 points per game. His strong isolation scoring makes life easy for the rest of the team and the coaching staff when he has to moonlight as the primary star.
With his comfort serving as the focal point of the offense, Randle can support the Bucks’ young guards, who are great in secondary roles. Having Randle as a safety valve or pick-and-roll partner will help guys like Ryan Rollins and Cole Anthony look better without Giannis.
The cost of acquiring Randle is where things get tricky for the Bucks. Myles Turner will certainly have to go out in a trade to make salaries roughly match. Both players can be traded starting December 15 due to their newly signed contracts. It wouldn't be surprising if Turner went to a third team due to the Timberwolves already having center depth.
Shipping out Turner would mean Giannis has to play center next to Randle, which is not his natural position. But Giannis is having a defensive resurgence this season and is capable of holding down the paint. Randle can also hold his own and take on assignments against bruisers in the post.
Randle is certainly a better play than Turner at the moment, so the Bucks would need to throw in extra value to sweeten the deal. Adding Rollins would solidify the deal for a Wolves team in search of its future point guard, but the Bucks will be hard-pressed to let him go. Instead, they may have to part with their remaining draft picks, or at least some combination.
This would be a huge gamble, but one that may be worth taking to maximize the team's championship odds with Giannis.