The trajectory of the Minnesota Timberwolves was changed in a big way almost two weeks ago when the team opted to make a risky but potentially extremely rewarding long-term move by trading away Karl-Anthony Towns. The cornerstone of the Wolves franchise for nearly a decade has now moved to New York, and fans in Minnesota are still unhappy about the whole situation in more ways than one.

But amid the uncertainty comes excitement. Although the Timberwolves lose one of the most talented big shooting men of a generation, they still gain a significant amount of money in return. Julius Randle remains one of the best low-post players in the league, with a knack for punishing smaller defenders and scoring efficiently on the interior.

Donte DiVincenzo is also seriously underrated when it comes to potential impact for this team. His outside shooting ability is significant, and even Anthony Edwards believes it will make a big difference for this team. Throw in the first-round pick and it looks like Tim Connelly really got Minnesota a solid deal in exchange for shipping off a very expensive player in Towns.

Now Timberwolves fans are wondering when they will see Randle in a suit for the first time. DiVincenzo already played in Minnesota’s preseason-opening win over the Los Angeles Lakers, and now the question simply becomes when Julius will join him.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Chris Finch told reporters that Randle will come out again on Friday night against the Philadelphia 76ers. It will be Minnesota’s first preseason game in a week, but Julius still apparently won’t be on the field.

But before Wolves fans panic, Finch also stated that Randle will play sometime next week before the preseason ends. So the fan base will get a good idea of ​​their new starting power sometime before the regular season starts on October 22.

This will be even more reason to tune in next week for the alignment games against the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls and Denver Nuggets, on top of the already existing drama of Minnesota playing Karl-Anthony Towns for the first time. in his career on Sunday.

The preseason is essentially a formality for a player like Julius Randle, who is a proven veteran and has made multiple All-NBA teams. But getting to know his new teammates prior to the regular season will still be important to continue building chemistry and developing good habits with a new group.