Let’s get one thing straight right away—Donte DiVincenzo is not upset about the Knicks acquiring Mikal Bridges.
Despite the rumors that swirled around his time in New York, Donte’s made it clear: he was never bothered by Bridges joining the team, and he definitely wasn’t throwing tantrums behind the scenes.
So, where did all this noise come from?
Let’s break it down.
- Donte DiVincenzo shuts down rumors of being upset about Mikal Bridges joining the Knicks, calling it all “completely untrue.”
- Now, with the Timberwolves, he’s ready to embrace a flexible role and is unfazed by starting or coming off the bench.
- DiVincenzo’s return to MSG saw some heated moments, but he maintains that there’s nothing but love for his former team.
“It’s Completely Untrue” – DiVincenzo Puts the Rumors to Rest
Here’s what really went down: last season, DiVincenzo had a breakout year with the Knicks.
He stepped up big time, especially after some injuries forced him into the starting lineup.
He didn’t just fill in—he thrived.
The guy set a franchise record for three-pointers, led the Eastern Conference in treys after December, and was New York’s second-best scorer in the playoffs, right behind Jalen Brunson.
Not too shabby, right?
Then, after the season, the Knicks made a major move.
They gave up five first-round picks to bring Mikal Bridges over from Brooklyn, which also reunited him with his Villanova buddies, DiVincenzo and Josh Hart.
With three former Wildcats in the mix, it seemed like someone was going to lose out on minutes.
Everyone assumed that DiVincenzo would be the odd man out, and soon, the rumors started flying—people said Donte was unhappy and didn’t like that Bridges was coming for his spot.
But DiVincenzo is here to set the record straight: “It was never a thing of, ‘Oh, we got Mikal, I’m pissed off,’” he told The Post.
In fact, he was excited about the team’s potential.
“ I was super excited because we have a very good player coming back to the team. And you get OG [Anunoby] back, now you’re looking at, ‘Wow we’re going to be really good.’ There was never a conversation of my role was going to be diminished. There was never a conversation that my minutes would be diminished. It was the outside assumption and ran with it and it was untrue.”
Not only that, but he said there were no conversations with coach Tom Thibodeau or team president Leon Rose about his role changing after Bridges came aboard.
“It was all outside assumptions,” Donte said.
So, yeah—no secret beef, no drama.
Just pure excitement to get on the court and play with another great player.
The Trade to Minnesota: A New Chapter
Fast forward a bit, and DiVincenzo’s time in New York came to an unexpected end.
In a blockbuster deal in late September, the Knicks traded him (along with Julius Randle) to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Karl-Anthony Towns.
Once again, reports surfaced saying DiVincenzo was unhappy, this time because he wasn’t starting for the Knicks.
But Donte quickly shot down those claims, too.
“I don’t know how that kind of picked up speed, but it’s completely untrue,” he said.
Now, as a Timberwolf, he’s got a fresh start, and his mindset hasn’t changed.
He knows his role will vary—some nights he’ll start, other nights he’ll come off the bench—and he’s totally okay with that.
“There’s going to be some games I start, and there’s going to be a lot of games I come off the bench,” he said.
“I just want to help the team win.”
Projected to come off the bench behind Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, and Jaden McDaniels, DiVincenzo’s versatility is going to be key for Minnesota.
Whether he’s starting or subbing in, he’s ready to contribute and make an impact.
The MSG Drama: Donte’s Fiery Return to the Garden
So, about that return to Madison Square Garden—it was anything but a calm homecoming for DiVincenzo.
In his first game back at MSG since the trade, things got a little heated between him and his former team.
During the Timberwolves’ 115-110 loss to the Knicks, cameras caught DiVincenzo jawing at the Knicks’ bench, saying, “Thank you for the trade, Thibs. That’s what happens when they let you run the show.”
Donte chirping at Jalen Brunson: “That’s what happens when they let you run the show” 😳pic.twitter.com/Ri9fbid54W
— ²³𝙻𝚎𝙱𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚜🏀☄️🌎💞 (@BronGotGame) October 13, 2024
Oof.
Talk about some serious trash talk!
After the game, DiVincenzo addressed the viral video.
“I’m not there anymore, I play competitive, I wear my heart on my sleeve and that’s all it was,” he said.
It didn’t stop there, though.
After the game, DiVincenzo had a heated exchange with Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson, and the two had to be separated.
Despite the intensity, Donte insists there’s no bad blood.
“There’s absolutely nothing but love from my end to the organization.”
Even with the trash talk and post-game drama, the Knicks played a tribute video for DiVincenzo and Julius Randle, thanking them for their time with the team.
And for DiVincenzo, that meant a lot.
“It was special,” he said, appreciating the nod to his contributions during his season in New York.
Julius Randle’s Take on the Feud
Interestingly, Julius Randle, now DiVincenzo’s teammate again in Minnesota, was there to witness all the action.
When asked about the fiery exchange, Randle didn’t seem too fazed.
“Donte is a grown man. He was standing his ground,” Randle said.
“He’s a competitor at heart.”
Randle, who’s just coming off shoulder surgery and getting ready to make his Timberwolves debut, didn’t dive into the personal details but admitted that he respected DiVincenzo’s passion and competitiveness.
What’s Next for Donte?
With all the noise behind him, DiVincenzo is focused on the future.
He’s ready to settle into his role with the Timberwolves and make the most of this new opportunity.
Whether he’s starting or coming off the bench, his goal is clear: to help Minnesota win.
As the 2024-25 season gets underway, all eyes will be on DiVincenzo to see how he continues to evolve.
One thing’s for sure—he’s ready for whatever comes his way, and he’s not letting the rumors or drama slow him down.
At the end of the day, DiVincenzo’s game does the talking, and he’s ready to let his performance on the court do just that.
