Donte DiVincenzo returned to Madison Square Garden on Sunday, just weeks after a shocking trade to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Karl-Anthony Towns.
After the trade, there were various rumors that DiVincenzo was unhappy with having his role reduced (after the Mikal Bridges trade) and that he wasn't as thrilled with the growing "Nova Knicks" connection as some would think.
On Sunday, DiVincenzo told reporters before the New York Knicks' preseason game against the Wolves that he wasn't unhappy while acknowledging the out-pouring of love he received from Knicks fans.
"Obviously all the reports came out that I was unhappy, this and that, I talked about it, it wasn’t true," DiVincenzo said (via Stefan Bondy of The New York Post). "My love for Knicks fans is through the roof. I’ve said it — it was one of my best years of my life playing here last year. It’s something you dream about doing. I didn’t plan to get traded. I didn’t sign here thinking, 'I’m signing a four-year deal, I hope I get traded a year in.' So that’s that part of it. You always got to separate the business aspect with the fans. I think the fans will always have a special place in my heart. And also playing here, being here, having the energy here, it’s special."
DiVincenzo had a breakout season with the Knicks, averaging a career-high 15.5 points while breaking the Knicks' single-season franchise record for three-pointers. Amid numerous injuries last season, DiVincenzo played huge minutes, expanded his offensive role, played tough defense, and hit numerous clutch shots.
However, following the trade for Bridges in June, DiVincenzo was set to come off the bench. While it made the Knicks incredibly deep, DiVincenzo may not have been thrilled with a reduced role immediately after a career-best season.
According to numerous reports, the Knicks had tried and failed to trade for Towns for months. They only made progress when they included DiVincenzo in the deal, which they were reportedly reluctant to do.
It's a gamble by the Knicks to sacrifice depth and a premier 3-and-D guard in DiVincenzo, but they badly needed Towns scoring and size.
The Knicks gave a moving tribute to DiVincenzo and Randle in their return on Sunday.
More Knicks news:
Knicks new point guard made surprising gesture to Jalen Brunson upon joining team
Knicks' revamped defense showed its teeth in impressive preseason win
NBA analyst urges Karl-Anthony Towns to study Hall of Fame big man to help Knicks
