The New York Knicks are winning, but that is not stopping them from exploring upgrades. With the trade market about to open up, one familiar name has surfaced in league conversations, and it is a reunion that many Knicks fans would instantly recognize.
Knicks Quietly Explore Donte DiVincenzo Reunion
According to Kris Pursiainen of ClutchPoints, league sources say the Knicks have held exploratory trade discussions with two Western Conference teams:
“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.”
December 15 is a key date around the league, as most players who signed new contracts in the offseason become trade eligible. That timing has helped spark early conversations, including New York’s renewed interest in DiVincenzo.
The idea of bringing him back is not new. The Knicks internally discussed a possible reunion last season after watching DiVincenzo thrive elsewhere.
His lone season in New York during the 2023 to 2024 campaign left a lasting impression. He set franchise records for three-pointers made in a single game and in a single season and quickly established himself as a fan favorite.
In 81 games with the Knicks, DiVincenzo averaged 15.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while knocking down an incredible 283 three-pointers. His ability to shoot off the catch, sprint through off-ball actions, and punish defensive help fits perfectly next to a high-usage creator like Jalen Brunson.
It is easy to see why New York would value a floor spacer alongside Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson, who thrives without needing the ball in his hands. But the deal has several bumps down the road.
Knicks’ Cap Restrictions Complicate a Deal Despite DiVincenzo’s Interest
As appealing as the reunion sounds, making it happen is far from simple. The Knicks are a second apron team, which places significant restrictions on what they can do in a trade. They cannot aggregate salaries and cannot take back more money than they send out, severely limiting flexibility.
Minnesota would also have to be willing to part with a reliable two-way guard who brings elite shooting and defensive toughness. DiVincenzo is on a four-year, $46.87 million contract with an average annual salary of $11.7 million, and the Timberwolves are not eager to move him without a meaningful return.
Pursiainen reported that the Timberwolves have shown some interest in the protected first-round pick the Knicks are owed by the Washington Wizards. That pick could become a key piece in any potential deal if talks advance beyond the exploratory stage.
From New York’s perspective, DiVincenzo offers a proven system fit. He provides elite volume shooting, constant movement that bends defenses, and a willingness to guard tough perimeter assignments.
New York is red hot at 17 and 7, sits second in the Eastern Conference, and has gone 8-2 over its last ten games. Still, the front office continues to look for ways to maximize a roster that appears built for a deep playoff run.
