Josh Hart recently shared his perspective on the Knicks’ decision to trade Donte DiVincenzo to the Timberwolves as part of a major offseason move. The trade involved Julius Randle going to Minnesota in exchange for Karl-Anthony Towns, a deal that shook the NBA. DiVincenzo, a longtime friend and former Villanova teammate of Hart, was included in the three-team trade.
Last season, when the Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets, it was an exciting moment for Villanova fans. They got to see several members of the 2018 NCAA champion Wildcats—Jalen Brunson, Hart, DiVincenzo, and Bridges—reunite in New York, earning them the nickname “Nova Knicks.”
Speaking about the day he learned DiVincenzo was heading to Minnesota, Hart said, “It’s a tough one. It’s part of the business. I get it. But I miss my dog. I think he should be received with cheers and ovation for everything he did last year.”
DiVincenzo had a standout season with the Knicks, averaging a career-high 15.5 points, shooting 40.1% from three-point range, and contributing 3.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals.
The Knicks are also dealing with another challenge, as center Mitchell Robinson is expected to be sidelined until January 2024 after undergoing two ankle surgeries. This led the Knicks to seek a trade, with ESPN’s Shams Charania reporting that Robinson’s injury played a role in the Knicks’ decision to offer DiVincenzo and a first-round pick in the deal for Towns.
