The 2025 offseason should be an interesting one for the league. From the potential Giannis Antetokounmpo blockbuster trade to Kevin Durant‘s next chapter, there are several dominoes to fall that could change the landscape of the NBA. One of the more important players in the fate of this summer is the New York Knicks. Coming off an Eastern Conference Finals appearance, New York is primed to contend for championships for the next few seasons. However, Leon Rose and the Knicks’ front office have work to do to overcome roster holes that ultimately led to the Knicks’ defeat against the Indiana Pacers. There are several directions they could go in, from boosting their depth to a big swing on a trade.
Knicks Could Reunite With Beloved Role Player in Unique Trade
A potential outcome currently generating buzz is one that the Knicks’ faithful will be overjoyed about. Although still somewhat unlikely, the possibility of a Donte DiVincenzo return to Madison Square Garden is becoming real. DiVincenzo played just one season in the Big Apple in 2023-24, but was an instant fan favorite. His toughness, moxie, and explosive three-point shooting endeared him to the Garden crowd in a way that few others can. His nine-three, 39-point performance to carry an undermanned Knicks squad in Game 7 vs. Indiana was only supposed to be the start of a legendary Knicks career. Instead, it seemed to be the last game he’d ever play for the franchise, as DiVincenzo was traded to Minnesota in training camp as part of the Karl-Anthony Towns deal.
Luckily for Knicks fans, the Villanova quartet may get to suit up for New York in 2025-26. DiVincenzo, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, and Jalen Brunson won the 2016 NCAA championship together at Villanova. They were slated to put on the orange and blue this past season until the stunning Towns trade in late September. We’ve seen how well these guys play together with their chemistry from college. Not only would DiVincenzo’s return invigorate the team and fanbase, but he’s also exactly what New York needs to complete their roster. So, how can Rose make this happen?
It Would Take a Three-Team Trade
There are several ways the Knicks could feasibly bring DiVincenzo back to New York. However, he’s an excellent player on an affordable contract who the Wolves won’t want to part with. I don’t believe Minnesota would want to make a straight-up trade for any of NY’s role players in exchange for DiVincenzo. The most realistic avenue is through a three-team deal featuring a star player. This offseason, that star is Kevin Durant.
Kevin Durant to Minnesota, Donte DiVincenzo to Knicks
Minnesota has been mentioned as a top contender to trade for Durant. Talks seemed to have stalled, as Durant reportedly has no desire to play there. However, in the NBA, things change quickly, and Durant may open up to the possibility of playing in Minnesota.
Durant is a perfect basketball fit next to Anthony Edwards, who idolized Durant growing up. Durant provides the much-needed secondary scoring that the Wolves have lacked in their past two playoff runs. In both Conference Finals losses to Dallas and Oklahoma City, Edwards has run into a wall of defenders in the paint due to Minnesota’s lack of outside shooting and second options. Durant solves both of those issues, while also fitting into the Wolves’ defensive identity. Bringing in KD arguably makes Minnesota the second-best team in the West, with a real chance at taking down OKC.
To acquire Durant’s $54.7 million contract, Minnesota will have to trade Rudy Gobert‘s $35 million salary to Phoenix. They’ll also have to part ways with additional salary, which is where DiVincenzo comes in. If the Wolves need a third team, New York is the perfect destination for the sharpshooter. If NY reunites DiVincenzo with his college buddies, their starting lineup becomes championship-level immediately. The former Knick could replace Hart, giving their new coach a unit of Brunson, Bridges, DiVincenzo, OG Anunoby, and Towns. Not only is that group one of the most talented in the league, but it fits perfectly.
Again, this is still an unlikely outcome for many reasons, but Knicks fans can at least hope they might see DiVincenzo back in orange and blue.
Featured image: © Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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