Before the 2024 Media Day, the New York Knicks dealt Donte DiVincenzo to the Minnesota Timberwolves, losing him in a trade. The Knicks wanted to trade for a high-quality All-Star to pair with Jalen Brunson and acquired Karl-Anthony Towns after the deal.
The Wolves and Knicks faced off during the preseason, and both clubs used their recently acquired players. There was some hostility toward DiVo and the other New York coaches during the game. The shooting guard and assistant coach Rick Brunson, who is also Jalen’s father, exchanged words.
Fortunately for DiVincenzo and the Knicks, the assistant coach confirmed they’ve moved on from the animosity they displayed during the preseason. Brunson confirmed it during his appearance at his son’s podcast, “The Roommates Show” in November.
For the 2024-25 NBA season, the Timberwolves will play against the Knicks on Thursday. Before their game, DiVincenzo revealed there isn’t any bad blood between him and the New York team.
“I stay in contact with those guys all the time, they’re still family.” DiVo said. “I watch games. It’s a different viewpoint. I’m more so a fan of guys over there. I wish them nothing but success, individually.”
"I stay in contact with those guys all the time, they're still family. I watch games. It's a different viewpoint. I'm more so a fan of guys over there. I wish them nothing but success"
Donte DiVincenzo says "great things take time" when asked about the Knicks' inconsistencies: pic.twitter.com/DaGvPRTCv4
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) December 18, 2024
For DiVo, the trade looked bad but understands there are aspects players can’t control.
“I think it’s not normal to make a trade the day before Media Day. Both sides — takes time to adjust. Great things take time. On our side, I believe that but also on their side. KAT’s playing really well but it’s gonna take time.”
DiVincenzo played for the Knicks for one season and averaged the best numbers of his career with 15.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists.
How has DiVincenzo played for the Timberwolves this season?
Donte DiVincenzo has struggled to play along with the Minnesota Timberwolves this season. After a career year with the Knicks, his numbers have gone down. The 6-foot-4 shooting guard is averaging 8.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 25 games played. He hasn’t been an efficient scorer on the field, only making 35% of his field goals and 31% of his long-range shots.
Even with how he’s performed the Wolves have not hinted at their desire to move on from the scoring guard. However, NBA Insider Brett Siegel thinks that DiVo can be an asset as there’s a certain demand for players of his caliber among contending teams.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen with Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
