The harsher penalties for teams that spent aggressively are impacting the present and futures of two former All-Stars — and their teams.

Julius Randle was a key to the Timberwolves' victory against the Pelicans, and Chris Finch gave him his flowers.

Three teams that are expected to be active on the trade market are the Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, and Charlotte Hornets. Perhaps there is a solution for all three teams to strike a deal with each other to get what they're looking for.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are coming off an ugly 104-97 win against the New Orleans Pelicans. It was another game where every player other than Anthony Edwards struggled. There have been consistency issues across the board in Minnesota.

(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson shoots against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) New Orleans ...

Julius Randle has been under fire for much of this season. That was easy to see coming. Randle was the immediate replacement for Karl-Anthony Towns, a pillar of the Timberwolves’ organization

If New Orleans plays Jones at power forward and asks him to guard Edwards, Julius Randle becomes a problem. Still, the Pelicans might be willing to take that chance rather than have Edwards get ...

The Over stems from a Minnesota inclination. On the second night of a back-to-back, the Timberwolves may not have the legs to be at their absolute best on defense. Last night, they finished the game on a 15-for-30 stretch from beyond the arc after opening 1-for-9. Continuing that hot shooting would also obviously help this Over approach.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson has been ruled out for their game against the Portland Trail Blazers as he continues his comeback from a left hamstring strain.

Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch was pleased with Julius Randle's performance in ... He also played solid defense on New Orleans' Zion Williamson on the other end. "I thought he played an ...

The Minnesota Timberwolves were able to spoil Zion Williamson’s return to the floor, defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 104-97.Julius Randle was a key to the victory, finishing with 16 points ...

There are nine games on the NBA slate tonight and Andrew Caley has you covered with his best NBA player props including Julius Randle in his return to New York.