Just like the 2023 NBA Draft, the New York Knicks were quiet on the first day of free agency. Fans were eagerly waiting to get a notification from Adrian Wojnarowski or Shams Charania that read that Donte DiVincenzo was signing a deal with the Knicks, but the hours passed by without an update.
Leading up to the start of free agency, it was reported that DiVincenzo had a combined four meetings scheduled on Friday and Saturday. The Knicks have been labeled as the favorite (subscription required) for the Villanova champion, but the silence on his end has proven that he’s taking his time to make a decision.
SNY’s Ian Begley reported late on Friday night that DiVincenzo might even have a meeting or two scheduled for Sunday, meaning that Saturday could come and go without a decision on his end. Begley noted that if the guard gets a bigger offer from another team, DiVincenzo will sign there, but if it’s an offer that’s a little more than what New York can give him, he’ll likely be swayed to the Knicks because of Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart.
Talked with @mmargaux8 about Knicks/Nets free agency, Obi Toppin, James Harden, Donte DiVincenzo, Cam Johnson and more on Honda SportsNite: pic.twitter.com/wIpvTQKVSZ
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) July 1, 2023
New York Knicks free agent target Donte DiVincenzo still on the market
Because of Josh Hart’s decision to opt into his $12.96 million option, the Knicks can offer Donte DiVincenzo as much as $12.4 million in 2023-24.
New York has something that other teams don’t — Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart. That trio won a national championship together at Villanova in 2016 and then Brunson and DiVincenzo won another one in 2018, the year after Hart was drafted. Brunson and DiVincenzo roomed together and in a recent podcast appearance, the Delaware native said that he and Brunson are still best friends.
Outside of his connections with Brunson and Hart, DiVincenzo would add much-needed shooting to New York’s roster. He shot a career-high 38.7% from three this past season in Golden State and is a career 36.2% three-point shooter. Much to the delight of Tom Thibodeau, DiVincenzo is a good on-ball defender and offensive rebounder. Similar to Hart, the energy that DiVincenzo brings to the game is invaluable.
If the Knicks signed DiVincenzo without making other roster moves beforehand, that’d put New York’s rotation at 10. Tom Thibodeau and the Knicks had success with their nine-man rotation this past season. To clear up a rotation spot, New York could trade Obi Toppin. The 25-year-old forward has been connected to the Pacers in trade discussions.
Ian Begley added that DiVincenzo will sign with the Knicks if “things go well,” so fans shouldn’t be panicking about New York not making a move yet.
Will today be the day that Donte DiVincenzo signs with the Knicks?
The 7 Worst free agent signings in New York Knicks history
Although the New York Knicks have been playing well this season, their front office hasn't always hit the target with their choices.