The New York Knicks have reportedly shown interest in bringing back Donte DiVincenzo, but at this stage, it doesn’t look like a reunion is in the cards.
According to the latest from Ian Begley, there’s not much traction behind the scenes between the Knicks and Timberwolves regarding DiVincenzo. On The Putback with Ian Begley, he noted that both sides are essentially downplaying the likelihood of a deal.
“I’ve dug around on this a little…I have not from either side heard there’s anything significant going on right now,” Begley said. “Basically both sides kind of downplaying possibility…Neither side sees it as realistic endpoint right now.”
That doesn’t mean DiVincenzo wouldn’t make sense for New York - because he would. He’s already familiar with Tom Thibodeau’s system and locker room culture, having played for the Knicks just last season.
During that 2023-24 campaign, he put together the best scoring numbers of his career, averaging 15.5 points per game while hitting 40 percent from beyond the arc. His ability to stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and play within the flow of the offense made him a valuable piece.
But that run ended when the Knicks swung a blockbuster deal to land Karl-Anthony Towns, sending DiVincenzo to Minnesota as part of the return. Since joining the Timberwolves, DiVincenzo has continued to play solid ball, averaging 14.0 points per game this season. He’s remained a reliable shooter and a high-IQ role player - the kind of guy who can quietly swing playoff games with timely threes and tough defense.
From a basketball fit standpoint, it’s easy to see why the Knicks would be intrigued. DiVincenzo offers elite spacing on the perimeter and knows the system.
He could slot in seamlessly as a depth piece, especially as New York eyes a deep postseason run. But for now, there’s no real momentum toward a deal.
That doesn’t mean the door is closed. The Knicks are in the middle of a season where expectations are high and the margins matter.
They haven’t won a title in over five decades, and every move they make - or don’t make - is under the microscope. DiVincenzo may not be on the way back right now, but he’s the kind of player teams keep tabs on, especially as trade season heats up.