The Minnesota Timberwolves haven’t had the season start they anticipated, currently holding an 8-7 record. Fans are already debating whether trading Karl-Anthony Towns was a wise move, especially given his standout performance with the Knicks, where he’s enjoying a career-best season.
In return for Towns, the Timberwolves acquired Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, with DiVincenzo being the primary motivator behind the trade. However, his performance has been disappointing so far, falling well below the team’s expectations.
Donte DiVencenzo already on the Minnesota Timberwolves trade block..?
Donte DiVincenzo has struggled to find his footing with the Timberwolves this season. Over the first 15 games, he’s shooting just 34.8% from the field and 32.4% from beyond the arc, averaging a modest 9.5 points per game.
Although there’s still ample time for him to turn things around, this slow start has certainly raised some concerns. In fact, NBA insider Brett Siegel from ClutchPoints recently noted that DiVincenzo could be emerging as a viable trade candidate.
Reportedly, several teams around the league are already considering DiVincenzo as a potential trade target.
Donte DiVincenzo is being viewed as a possible trade candidate for several contending teams around the league, sources said. While the Timberwolves value DiVincenzo’s skillset, the 27-year-old combo guard was not thrilled with the idea of coming off the bench after being traded.
For a second apron team like Minnesota, moving DiVincenzo could help create a little bit of flexibility and a path to moving out of the second apron next offseason. Right now, there are no indications that the Timberwolves will want to move their newly acquired guard.
Donte DiVincenzo has expressed a clear preference not to come off the bench, which is understandable considering his standout performance last season, where he averaged nearly 16 points per game and hit 40% of his three-pointers.
What makes the situation even more intriguing is that several teams are keeping a close watch on how things unfold for him this season. This interest could create a chance for a team to pick him up at a reduced price if his situation with the Timberwolves doesn’t improve.
Siegel notes that the Timberwolves haven’t seriously considered trading DiVincenzo yet, as it’s still early in the season. Given that he’s adjusting to a new team, he may simply need more time to find his groove. However, if his struggles continue, he could potentially be on the trading block by the deadline.
Donte DiVencenzo reunites with the Golden State Warriors..?
DiVincenzo has moved around quite a bit in his relatively short career, having played for the Bucks, Kings, Warriors, and Knicks. According to Siegel, one of his former teams, the Golden State Warriors, might be interested in a reunion and could consider bringing him back.
Donte DiVincenzo, Jordan Clarkson, Matisse Thybulle, and Pat Connaughton are worth mentioning in connection to the Dubs, seeing as they all make less than what Melton is earning this year. Other than Connaughton, none of these players are viewed as definite trade candidates for any team this season.
The Minnesota Timberwolves just acquired DiVincenzo in their blockbuster Karl-Anthony Towns trade with the New York Knicks, and head coach Chris Finch is very fond of the combo guard’s abilities on both ends of the court. The problem is that his role has fluctuated since arriving in Minnesota, and the Timberwolves are struggling at 8-7 overall. Should tensions continue to rise, various teams around the league will be monitoring DiVincenzo’s availability. He was a player the Warriors really wanted to keep before he signed a four-year deal with the Knicks in 2023.
The Warriors seem quite interested in DiVincenzo, and with their impressive 11-3 start, they might be looking to make moves as the trade deadline approaches. A return to Golden State could make a lot of sense, particularly given his familiarity and connection with the team.
DiVincenzo’s play will be a key storyline over the next couple of months as the Minnesota Timberwolves work to find their rhythm. If he can rediscover his potential, it could be a game-changer for the team. However, only time will reveal how things unfold.