In the aftermath of the blockbuster trade sending Karl-Anthony Towns to New Yorkmuch of the focus was on KAT and how he felt going from the only team he had ever played for, from a city he was entrenched in, to a new home.
Donte DiVincenzo hasn’t been talked about much, but he had feelings about this trade, too, and let them out when New York traveled to Minnesota for a preseason game on Sunday.
First, DiVincenzo barked at the Knicks bench, and it sounded like he was saying, “Thanks for the trade,” though he might have more jokingly said, “Can’t finish, can Thibs?” to Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau, who was standing next to the scorer’s table at that moment. Here’s a clip of that moment without the broadcast sound, decide for yourself what you think he said.
The real fireworks came postgame when DiVincenzo got into it with Rick Brunson, a Knicks assistant coach and the father of Knicks star and DiVincenzo’s good friend Jalen Brunson. The usual friendly post-match handshakes saw the temperature climb slightly. Cooler heads stepped in between them and cut off the conversation while it was still at that stage.
Donte DiVincenzo and Rick Brunson had to be separated after exchanging words
This was Donte’s first game back in New York after the trade to Minnesota pic.twitter.com/CDt72FzEkH
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 14, 2024
After the game, DiVincenzo talked about all of it, saying he joked with Thibodeau, but not so much with Brunson.
As for a clip circulating of Donte at the foul line, DiVincenzo said he was joking with Thibs about not being able to finish. Donte said he never said, “Thank you for business.” The Rick Brunson stuff was no joke though, including when he looked at a Knicks bench (not at Thibs) and…
– Stefan Bondy (@SbondyNBA) October 14, 2024
Jalen Brunson was asked about it postgame and brushed it off saying, “Two people talking, words of affirmation.” Tom Thibodeau went with a tried and true defensive line, “I didn’t see it. Two competitive guys. Things like that happen.”
Minnestoa fended off the Knicks’ interest in a trade for City for more than a year, until DiVincenzo became part of the offer. That’s when Minnesota moved, and so far the veteran guard has been everything they hoped for in the deal.
Donte DiVincenzo has quickly become a favorite within the Timberwolves organization, drawing rave reviews from top to bottom for the skill set and mindset he brings. Tonight just further cemented it in their eyes.
– Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) October 14, 2024
Mark your calendars for December 19th, that’s the first regular-season meeting between these teams, a game in Minnesota (where Towns will get a huge welcome back, he was loved there).