DiVincenzo can be game-changer for Timberwolves in unexpected way

There has been plenty of expected hype surrounding Julius Randle's addition to this Minnesota Timberwolves roster. As the de-facto replacement for Karl-Anthony Towns, Randle will have big shoes to fill and will be expected to continue producing in the frontcourt at an All-NBA level this season.

Certainly, there will be plenty of pressure on Julius to be a major contributor this season. But there is a theory floating around that Randle is not even the main reason the Timberwolves agreed to their blockbuster trade with the New York Knicks. Among others, The Athletic's Britt Robson thinks Minnesota was actually motivated to do the trade more by the prospect of acquiring Donte DiVincenzo.

Given that Donte is one of the most high-impact role players in the NBA, this theory appears to have some real credence. It gains even more credibility when listening to Anthony Edwards' post-training camp media session. Ant explains how he believes DiVincenzo can be a serious game-changer for the Timberwolves.

Initially asked about playing more like Stephen Curry, Edwards clarified that he does not want to play like Steph, but simply to move without the ball more. After Ant states that DiVincenzo is exceptional at moving without the ball and setting screens, a reporter asks him what Donte will do for him with his off-ball skills.

Edwards sees DiVincenzo getting him more opportunities

Ant's answer was telling. "It helps me, because now I feel like it's going to be harder for teams to sit in the gaps all night, because he can shoot the ball really good," said Edwards. "So I'm going to be super happy just throwing it to him in the other slot and him knocking it down. And then as the game goes on, they gradually get closer and closer to him, and I can get downhill."

This is a very accurate assessment of how DiVincenzo should be able to change the way teams defend the Timberwolves this season. Up until now, Minnesota did not truly have a knock-down shooting guard that could sit out on the perimeter. With the kind of offensive gravity that Donte creates, it seems Ant should end up being correct that he will get more driving opportunities.

In the end, this phenomenon could end up being a huge difference-maker. In past years, teams have been able to focus a lot of their defensive energy on Edwards, and on stopping him from getting to the cup. Having a guy who shot over 40% from three for the Knicks last season out on the perimeter will force the opposition to think twice about giving help defense to stop a driving Ant.

This is yet another layer to the kind of impact DiVincenzo will bring the Timberwolves. He may be the smaller name in this massive trade on the surface, but his overall impact could actually end up being more significant.