Donte DiVincenzo was one of the casualties when the New York Knicks acquired Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2024 offseason. However, it now seems the Knicks are trying to bring DiVincenzo back to New York and officially reconvene the “Nova Knicks”.
According to Kris Pursiainen, an insider for Clutch Points, the Knicks have reached out to the Timberwolves about DiVincenzo’s availability. Pursiainen wrote, “League sources tell ClutchPoints that the Knicks have had exploratory discussions with two Western Conference teams about potential trades, with New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo at the center of various proposals.”
Despite playing only one season with the Knicks in 2023-24, DiVincenzo left his mark, holding the franchise record for most 3s made in a game and season. He also averaged a career high in points, at 15.5. In the playoffs, DiVincenzo also made an impact, hitting a game-winner in Game 2 of the first round against the Philadelphia 76ers in Madison Square Garden.
So far, DiVincenzo’s time in Minnesota has not gone as planned, only starting in 34 of 86 games. He has started every game this season and is averaging 13.2 points, but the Timberwolves are looking for an upgrade, with the Chicago Bulls’ Colby White on their mind.
Donte DiVincenzo Fit on the Knicks
GettyJosh Hart on the left and Donte DiVincenzo on the right.
In the 2024 offseason, the Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges, who joined DiVincenzo, Jalen Brunson, and Josh Hart, creating the “Nova Knicks.” The four played together at Villanova, helping the school win National Championships in 2016 and 2018. However, shortly after Bridges joined the Knicks, DiVincenzo was traded, and the four never played together.
Despite that, it is easy to see why the four could have success. DiVincenzo arguably had his best season playing alongside Brunson and Hart. There is definitely something to the camaraderie these players have and how it translates to the court.
Even now, with the Knicks only having Brunson, Hart, and Bridges, the three work amazingly together. They have been on the court together a total of 364 minutes this season, with a net rating of 14. Adding DiVincenzo should be easy, as he is a solid defender who shoots 38.1% from three on 7.9 attempts per game, alongside the already established camaraderie.
What Stops DiVincenzo From Getting Back on the Knicks
GettyDonte DiVincenzo is going for a layup while on the Knicks.
Making this trade work will be complicated. Pursiainen says that himself, writing, “A reunion with DiVincenzo, however, would be more complicated. His salary of almost $12 million necessitates New York trading away a package of more than just young players or recently-eligible veterans.”
If contracts are the main hindrance to this trade, the Knicks will have to wait until December 15th, when the players they signed this offseason become available. Still, that is only $5 million from Guerschon Yabusele and $2 million for each of Landry Shamet and Jordan Clarkson. The money remains unbalanced, but also the talent the Timberwolves receive.
However, the Knicks might need to make the trade. They want to secure a spot as the frontrunner in the East for the NBA Finals, but their guard depth is risky at best. Shamet and Miles McBride have stepped up this season, but both are dealing with injuries. The Knicks want DiVincenzo for his floor spacing, defense, and as another possible ball handler, but they will need to involve another team to make the deal work.
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