Nova Knicks - New York Signs Donte DiVincenzo
The Knicks finally got into the Free Agency fray today by signing Warriors Shooting Guard Donte DiVincenzo to a 4-year $50 million dollar deal. This is a deal that had been rumored for weeks but finally came to fruition today. Note: no deals can become official for a few days with the league's moratorium.
The Knicks freed up some space by unloading underutilized Power Forward Obi Toppin to the Pacers for two future 2nd round draft picks. Besides being a good fit on the court with his shooting ability is his familiarity with two guys specifically, starting Point Guard Jalen Brunson, and reserve Forward Josh Hart. These guys all played together at Villanova.
His college buddies had interesting reactions. Hart with the super quick photoshop I'm sure he was sitting on for days.
And Brunson with the playful jab.
This is awesome to see and it of course brings the mind back to Brunson's reaction when the Knicks originally traded for Hart back in February.
But now that the Knicks got their guy, what's next? Will they be trading for a big name like a James Harden, Paul George, Karl-Anthony Towns, or other? It may be tough given their current cap space, but if they can unload Evan Fournier's $18 mil/year deal they could start a pathway there.
What's maybe more interesting is if we look down the line - would any other Villanova guys want to join their boys? Would Mikal Bridges be bold enough to demand a trade across the East River? If the Knicks falter and Head Coach Tom Thibodeau is canned, would former Championship Winning Villanova Head Coach Jay Wright be the first call?
It's obviously too early to say on all of those things, but I as a Knicks fan I am very excited to see the chemistry, both on and off the court from these three lads!