The Knicks hit their redheaded goal.
Donte DiVincenzo, the 26-year-old scrappy guard out of Villanova, agreed Saturday to a four-year, $50 million contract to affix the Knicks, a supply confirmed to The Daily News.
The transfer, which might’t turn out to be official till the free company moratorium ends subsequent week, solidifies New York’s guard rotation and can deplete all of its mid-level exception. Barring a blockbuster commerce — which is at all times potential given the Knicks’ glut of future draft picks — Leon Rose’s summer time was once more quiet.
DiVincenzo, nicknamed ‘The Big Ragu’ as a result of he’s Italian with pink hair, is a good 3-point shooter (40% final season with the Warriors) and a robust defender. His best attribute might be profitable.
The Delaware native captured two highschool State championships, two NCAA titles with Villanova — each alongside Jalen Brunson — and an NBA championship in 2021 with the Bucks (though he was injured for the ultimate rounds of these playoffs). He’s now the third former Villanova participant on the Knicks roster, becoming a member of Brunson and Josh Hart.
DiVincenzo, the NCAA’s Most Outstanding Final 4 participant in 2018, provides depth to the backcourt and will additionally compete for a beginning two-guard spot with Quentin Grimes and Immanuel Quickley. DiVincenzo scheduled conferences with 4 groups earlier than free company, a supply mentioned, however the Knicks had been at all times thought of the frontrunner.
The different Knicks transfer Saturday was agreeing to commerce Obi Toppin, their former lottery decide, to the Pacers for 2 second-round draft picks. Toppin’s departure was anticipated — even when the commerce return was underwhelming — as a result of he’s eligible for a contract extension and caught behind Julius Randle within the rotation.
The Knicks nonetheless should fill Toppin’s minutes because the backup energy ahead and there’s no apparent candidates on the roster. Hart, who is anticipated to signal a long-term extension subsequent month, performed energy ahead within the playoffs however he’s solely 6-4.
DiVincenzo, who can be 6-4, has related attributes to Hart however shoots higher and doesn’t rebound as properly. His profession hit a downturn throughout he 2021-22 season, when he was getting back from a torn ligament in his ankle and his workforce, the Kings, declined to provide him a qualifying supply.
DiVincenzo then signed a small contract with the Warriors and rehabbed his worth whereas averaging 9.4 factors in over 26 minutes. His wage with the Knicks represents a roughly 300% increase from final season.
The Warriors, who’re working properly above the luxurious tax, had been unable to place collectively a aggressive supply for DiVincenzo due to cap constraints.
()
Source: www.bostonherald.com