Donte DiVincenzo has addressed rumors regarding his feelings about the New York Knicks acquiring Mikal Bridges, denying claims that he was upset about potentially losing his starting position. DiVincenzo emphasized that while everyone aspires to be a starter, he recognized the necessity for teams to explore different lineups.
He expressed excitement about Bridges joining the team, along with OG Anunoby’s return, viewing it as an opportunity to enhance the team’s competitiveness rather than a threat to his role. DiVincenzo clarified that any assumptions about his reduced minutes or diminished role were unfounded and originated from external speculation rather than any internal discussions.
Last season, DiVincenzo stepped up in the Knicks’ starting lineup due to injuries and exceeded expectations, setting the franchise record for 3-pointers and becoming the second-leading scorer in the playoffs after Jalen Brunson.
Following their playoff run, the Knicks made a significant trade, using five first-round picks to bring Bridges from Brooklyn, which created a logjam on the wing with three former Villanova teammates on the roster, including DiVincenzo and Josh Hart. Despite the logical assumption that Bridges might take over his starting spot, DiVincenzo noted that there were no conversations with the coaching staff or management about his role following the trade.
The trade that sent DiVincenzo to the Minnesota Timberwolves in late September involved him and Julius Randle in a swap for Karl-Anthony Towns. Reports emerged afterward suggesting that DiVincenzo was unhappy about his situation in New York and the Villanova reunion.
However, he strongly refuted these claims, stating that there was no basis for such speculation. He mentioned the dynamic of his new team, where he expects to start in some games while coming off the bench in others, indicating a flexible approach to his role in Minnesota.
During his return to Madison Square Garden, DiVincenzo warmed up on the same hoop where he made a memorable Game 2 winning shot against the Philadelphia 76ers, a highlight for the Knicks in the past two decades.
He was set to play in a preseason game against his former teammates, including Bridges, Brunson, and Hart. Earlier in the week, a GQ Magazine feature involving the Villanova quartet had to be adjusted due to the timing of the trade, but DiVincenzo dismissed any awkwardness, stating their friendship transcends their professional circumstances.
Reflecting on the abrupt nature of his trade, DiVincenzo mentioned that he still owns a house in New York and found it strange to stay there before a road game. Initially upset by the trade, he quickly accepted the move to Minnesota, emphasizing that there were no lingering negative feelings. He expressed a sense of ease with the transition, reiterating that while trades can be jarring, his focus was on embracing the new opportunity with the Timberwolves and moving forward positively.
