Minnesota Timberwolves Starting Lineup for 2024-25 NBA Season: Predicting Chris Finch's plans after franchise lands Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo
The Minnesota Timberwolves traded All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks on Friday. In return for the All-Star big man, the Timberwolves received Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and a first-round pick, as per The Athletic's Shams Charania. The move means Chris Finch will have a new starting lineup next season.
The Timberwolves reached the Western Conference finals last season but lost to the Dallas Mavericks. Finch could adjust his style based on his team's performance in the playoffs. Randle and DiVincenzo give him different skills that he could utilize to guide Minnesota to another potentially deep postseason run.
Naz Reid takes over Karl-Anthony Towns’ spot
When small ball became the trend, Finch decided to go against that movement and went with a double-big frontline. He was criticized for using Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns at the same time. Towns’ shooting, though, made the partnership flourish.
Naz Reid will likely take over Towns' spot Julius Randle. Reid is more familiar with Finch’s style and looks ready to become Anthony Edwards’ new co-star in Minnesota. The reigning Sixth Man of the Year winner averaged 41.4% from deep last season, making him an ideal partner for the interior-bound Gobert.
If Finch changes his double center style, Reid will likely remain a starter with Julius Randle playing power forward. After becoming the best player off the bench last season, Reid is raring to take his place in the starting rotation.
Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch to keep Jaden McDaniels, Anthony Edwards and Mike Conley as starters
Finch will likely keep the same perimeter players that helped the Timberwolves to a 56-26 record last season. Jaden McDaniels, Mike Conley and Anthony Edwards have played together for multiple seasons. Inserting Donte DiVincenzo into that group to start games may not be the best move.
Jaden McDaniels is arguably the Timberwolves’ best perimeter defender while Conley handles playmaking. Edwards is the unquestioned alpha so his place in the first five is guaranteed. DiVincenzo will get his fair share of opportunities but they will not likely come at the start of the game.
A potential starting lineup of Naz Reid, Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, Anthony Edwards and Mike Conley could become one the best in the NBA next season.
Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo give the Minnesota Timberwolves enviable bench firepower
Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo are battle-tested in the playoffs. Had they remained with the Knicks, they would have likely been starters for coach Tom Thibodeau.
Finch, however, could force them to adjust, particularly Randle. "Don Julio" started every game for the Knicks when healthy. That might have to change now that he is in Minnesota.
Donte DiVincenzo should have no trouble coming off the bench as that has been his primary role in the NBA. In 354 games, he lined up for tip-off just 190 times.
The Minnesota Timberwolves get a big boost with both former Knicks players coming off the bench. They could come in simultaneously or at different points in the game. Chris Finch will have an interesting training camp to oversee following Friday's blockbuster trade.
How do you think the Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks will fare next season after the mega trade? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.