After an appearance in the Western Conference Finals, the Timberwolves didn’t need a need to reshuffle. Anthony Edwards, a spirited guard was at the helm. And behind him, they had Karl-Anthony Towns, an organizational player who kept the charged-up Ant on the ground. Moreover, he had pledged his loyalty for nine years and wanted to stay at “home” as he calls it. But the prospect of getting better and sustaining it for longer seemed too good to pass.

In a blockbuster trade, the Wolves managed to part ways with their longest-tenured star in exchange for two strengthening pieces. In Julius Randle, they retain an All-Star level forward who is naturally suited for the position, unlike KAT. Then there is also DiVincenze, a silky shooter that is available at a modest price for three more years. The aim behind the uncalled decision was to “maximize Edwards’ window for the long haul”. 

Despite a shoulder injury putting an early end to his season, Randle averaged 24 points and 9 rebounds when on the floor for the Knicks. As an organic forward, he has astronomically improved his decision-making and promises to be an influential part of the Wolves’ core. DiVincenzo provides grit to a second unit that contains the likes of Alexander-Walker and Naz Reid, the reigning Sixth Man of The Year.

Towns’ lucrative $220 million extension would have applied great stress on the salary sheet for the Wolves. In exchange, they received two team-empowering components for much less. Additionally, the money they saved as part of the deal can be used to re-sign Reid, who has a player option after this season. Team sources believe these moves “make sure Edwards could be on a competitive playoff team for much longer than just the next two years and believe the flexibility this move provides will aid that pursuit” according to The Athletic. But just how does the Knick tandem help in doing so?

Depth is the key for Anthony Edwards and the Wolves

With Randle and Divincenzo, virtually the Knicks’ depth supremacy has passed on to the Wolves. The franchise thrived last season with their ferocity on both ends of the floor. Edwards ascended into a certified talisman averaging 25.9 points per game. Towns led well as a secondary scorer but naturally has the capabilities more fitting for a big.

With Randle, they have a fearless forward who can ease the scoring load off Edwards’ shoulder. Given his tenacious style of stay and brute force, the three-time All-Star adds a solid punch to the already well-balanced Wolves. Yes, their three-point threat was lost with Towns’ exit. But that’s exactly where DiVincenzo fits in.

Last season, where he averaged a career-high in points, his 40.1% three-point shooting aided hugely in its possibility. Additionally, he has proven to be a strong asset in the postseason, the Pacers series being his highlight. On the other end, Randle provides interior scoring of a high degree, combining physicality with technique. With his improved skills as a general, he can also involve Rudy Gobert in action a lot more often than when Towns was on the floor.

From the bench, the likes of Reid, Rob Dillingham, and Alexander-Walker are capable of packing a ravishing punch. The blossoming center is the main pivot, and the secondary unit is no less fierce than the Wolves’ starting assembly. The trade has rounded the roster well, while also relaxing their salary cap hit which is bound to balloon over the next few seasons.

The Wolves have an opportunity to retain more core pieces for a longer spell. This is the push that the pack was after. Anthony Edwards remains at the helm and is now backed by a stronger supporting cast than he had last season when they came one step short of an NBA Finals appearance.