Jalen Brunson Refuses to Speak on Knicks Trading His Groomsman, Distances Himself From Front Office Decisions

The Knicks front office pulled off one of the most surprising moves of the offseason last week, trading Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle to the Timberwolves to acquire star Karl-Anthony Towns. While the move was a massive coup for New York, many pondered whether trading one of their four former Villanova players would negatively impact the rest, especially Jalen Brunson. The answer is seemingly yes.

When asked about the trade during the Knicks’ Media Day, the superstar refused to entertain any questions and pinned it on the front office, suggesting he wasn’t kept in the loop about the move. Per The Athletic senior writer, James L. Edwards III, the guard said,

“I don’t deal with anything front office wise”

Brunson: "I don't deal with anything front office wise."

— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) September 30, 2024

 

When asked about his relationship with DiVincenzo, Brunson gave a stoic yet telling response. He said,

“Donte was a groomsmen at my wedding. That should say enough about our relationship.”

Brunson: "Donte was a groomsmen at my wedding. That should say enough about our relationship." https://t.co/L0QxnwFg8l

— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) September 30, 2024

The move has seemingly not only caught fans and analysts by surprise but also the players and their teammates. The astonishment is exacerbated by the fact that the offseason was dominated by stories about the reunion of the Villanova Wildcats quartet of Mikal Bridges, Brunson, DiVincenzo, and Josh Hart, which won the 2016 NCAA championship.

Many analysts were confident that their chemistry made them a title contender. However, the expectations have been flipped on their heads after DiVincenzo’s trade to the Timberwolves.

The Knicks lose more than a ‘Nova Knick’

The Knicks have not only lost one of their four former Villanova players but have also parted ways with one of, if not their best three-point shooter. Last season, DiVincenzo banked 283 shots from beyond the arc, which ranked third in the league behind the Warriors’ Stephen Curry (357) and Mavericks’ Luka Doncic (284).

Among the 23 players who made over 200 three-pointers last season, he was one of only eight players to convert over 40% of his attempts. His incredible shooting prowess explains why the Timberwolves were keen on landing him.

DiVincenzo is expected to have a big role in Minnesota, while Towns will likely slot in at center for the Knicks and could move to the forward position once Mitchell Robinson returns from injury. While both franchises will be content with what they ended up with, none of the players involved in the deal seem too pleased.