Although the New York Knicks made the Eastern Conference Finals last season — their best showing in the playoffs since the turn of the century — the team lacked a specific element of grit and swagger possessed by the 2023-24 squad.
That’s because the Knicks traded away Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle for Karl-Anthony Towns. The loss of DiVincenzo, in particular, stung, as the Villonva alum had become the toast of fans at Madison Square Garden in the previous season. In his only season with the Knicks, DiVincenzo drained 283 threes from 81 games, which ranked third in the league, behind only Stephen Curry and Luka Doncic, and excelled as a secondary ball-handler and perimeter defender, becoming a favorite of fans at MSG.
Is there a pathway for the Knicks to reunite with DiVincenzo? Sports Illustrated’s Dave Holcomb floated a trade that would see the Villanova quartet of Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, and DiVincenzo reunite, but this time in New York.
Timberwolves would receive: Miles McBride, Guerschon Yabusele.
Knicks would receive: Donte DiVincenzo.
Trade Only Possible in December
Mind you, Yabusele, who signed with the Knicks on a two-year, $11.7 million deal this offseason, will become trade-eligible only after December 15. As such, Holcomb’s trade pitch can only be executed nearly three months into the 2025-26 campaign.
“With DiVincenzo, the Knicks would have two high-quality guards coming off the bench. The other is [Jordan] Clarkson, who averaged 16.2 points last season,” wrote Holcomb.
“DiVincenzo was a fan favorite in New York and fit in very well because of the Villanova connection in the Knicks locker room. Bringing back DiVincenzo should be an excellent move for the chemistry of the team.”
The writer also explained why the trade would benefit the Timberwolves.
“…If the Knicks want him back badly enough, Minnesota might be able to get great value for him,” he wrote. “If the organization is willing to accept a draft pick in return for DiVincenzo, it might not be difficult to get the Knicks to agree to include one in the deal.”
“Two depth players is decent return, and the Timberwolves still have veteran Mike Conley to start at point guard.”
Knick Tried to Reunite with Donte
While the trade worked out well for both parties, DiVincenzo admittedly never wanted to depart from New York. Shortly before his Timberwolves played the Knicks last season, he provided insight into his friendship with the former teammates.
“I talk to them everyday but from a basketball standpoint,” DiVincenzo said. “…It’s really cool to see a trade that happens where you can rule it as a win-win for both sides.”
According to Clutch Points’ Kris Pursiainen, the Knicks explored the idea of reuniting with DiVincenzo last season, but couldn’t agree on a deal with Minnesota.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Knicks Trade Pitch Reunites Team with MSG Crowd Favorite appeared first on Heavy Sports.