Several influential members of the New York Knicks support the idea of signing shooting guard Donte DiVincenzo, according to Ian Begley of SNY.
DiVincenzo is expected to decline his 2023-24 player option with the Golden State Warriors to become an unrestricted free agent on June 30.
Knicks stars Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart played college basketball with DiVincenzo at Villanova.
“To that end, several influential members of the organization support the idea of signing Donte DiVincenzo in free agency this summer,” Begley wrote. “DiVincenzo has a player option for 2023-24. The Knicks, as currently constituted, will have access to the $12.2 million non-tax payer exception in the offseason.
“I don’t know if there is mutual interest but DiVincenzo played with both Brunson and Josh Hart at Villanova. Hart is a potential free agent and it would be stunning if he didn’t re-sign in New York on a multi-year agreement if he chooses to test free agency.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Donte DiVincenzo, Golden State Warriors & New York Knicks Updates
DiVincenzo averaged 9.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists for the Warriors this past season in 72 games. The NBA champion shot 43.5% from the field, 39.7% from beyond the arc and 81.7% from the free-throw line.
The 26-year-old DiVincenzo made 150 3-pointers for the Warriors in 2022-23. He has career averages of 9.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists with the Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings and Warriors.
Hart told Taylor Rooks of Bleacher Report he would love for DiVincenzo to sign with the Knicks, who lost to the Miami Heat in the 2023 Eastern Conference Semifinals in six games. Hart also told Rooks he plans to decline his 2023-24 player option worth $12.9 million and become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Donte DiVincenzo, Golden State Warriors & New York Knicks Updates
However, he wants to stay with the Knicks.
“I love New York,” Hart said. “I love the team. I love the coaching staff, the front office that we have. We got young guys, draft picks, all those sort of things. So I mean, obviously that would be an ideal place for me to just re-sign there and do that.”
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