Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle faced the New York Knicks for the first time on Sunday since the trade involving Karl-Anthony Towns. It marked the first meeting with old teammates as Towns exchanged jerseys with Anthony Edwards postgame. During the first quarter, DiVincenzo directed comments at Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau while taking free throws and later had a heated exchange with assistant coach Rick Brunson.
The Minnesota Timberwolves traveled to New York for a preseason matchup, reuniting players on both teams following the significant trade that sent Towns to the Knicks. DiVincenzo sparked tension by shouting toward the New York bench, indicating his comments were aimed at Thibodeau. After the game, he had a confrontation with Rick Brunson, father of Knicks guard Jalen Brunson and one of DiVincenzo’s former college teammates. DiVincenzo did not specify the details of their exchange but mentioned they would resolve it privately.
DiVincenzo and Randle were the key players acquired by the Timberwolves in the trade for Towns, which occurred just before the start of training camp. DiVincenzo notably set a franchise record with 282 three-pointers last season for the Knicks, while Randle returned to Madison Square Garden after six years, with the Knicks honoring both players in a tribute video.
It was also Towns’ first encounter with the Timberwolves following the trade, and although it was an unusual situation, Edwards greeted him warmly, leading to their jersey swap. Timberwolves coach Chris Finch described it as an adjustment, likening it to the loss of a family member, indicating that the team would eventually move on.
Looking ahead, the Timberwolves are scheduled to continue their preseason on Wednesday night against Chicago and will host Denver on Thursday night.