NBA rumors: Knicks could land another Villanova alum in free agency

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 30: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks reacts to a call in the second half against the Miami Heat during game one of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Madison Square Garden on April 30, 2023 in New York City. The Miami Heat defeated the New York Knicks 108-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

While he is not signed for next season, Josh Hart just dropped a nugget on how he sees the New York Knicks offseason going.

Appearing on the Taylor Rooks podcast last week, Josh Hart discussed how he has been trying to recruit Donte DiVincenzo to the New York Knicks. Hart has his own free agency situation this offseason but it seems like that will get quickly resolved by both sides after he declines his player option. The Knicks clearly want him back and he wants to be in New York. They just have to agree on the numbers.

DiVincenzo has a player option that he will most likely decline due to the fact that he can get long-term offers from teams this offseason. The Warriors will probably not be giving a lot of attention toward re-signing the role player due to the fact that they have a lot of more pressing matters.

DiVincenzo will most likely be looking for around $9 million per year on a long-term-ish deal. If he were to sign with the Knicks, he would be looking for more of a long-term commitment due to the fact that he will not be signing with a title that has a shot to win the title.

The Villanova connection keeps paying off for the Knicks

Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson and Donte DiVincenzo all played college basketball at Villanova and both players have deep connections with DiVincenzo. The Knicks struggled in the postseason due a lack of iso offense and that was ultimately their undoing. They ended up losing to the Eastern Conference champion Heat but still, any team with a true superstar was gonna send them fishing for the summer.

While DiVincenzo would add some amount of bench scoring to this squad, it would not solve the major issue that is facing the Knicks team. This team is lacking offensive creators and more importantly, lacks a major star. Adding the role player to this squad would certainly help but it wouldn’t really change the outlook for the Knicks.

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