NBA Rumors: The two reinforcements that the Knicks are considering to improve the outside game

The New York Knicks are exploring the market for help in their backcourt, and according to various reports, they have focused on two guards from the Western Conference, one of them a familiar face at Madison Square Garden.

League sources cited by ClutchPoints state that the New York franchise has held preliminary discussions with two Western Conference teams to explore potential trades. The names at the center of these proposals are New Orleans Pelicans guard José Alvarado and Minnesota Timberwolves Donte DiVincenzo, as reported by journalist Kris Pursiainen.

According to the same information, Minnesota has even submitted several trade proposals to the Knicks' management, although none have materialized so far.

DiVincenzo, a proven performer in New York

Donte DiVincenzo was a key player for the Knicks in the 2023-24 season. He started in 63 of the 81 games played that season, averaging over 29 minutes per night. He delivered 15.5 points per game and shot 40.1% from three-point range, both career-best figures.

His impact in the playoffs was even more significant, raising his average to 17.8 points and shooting 42.5% from beyond the arc. During the regular season, he set a franchise record for most three-pointers made in a single game and in a full season.

The Knicks internally discussed the possibility of bringing back DiVincenzo last year. The shooting guard was traded to the Timberwolves in the summer of 2024 as part of the deal that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to New York. His return would also mean reuniting with one of the so-called Nova Knicks and joining his former Villanova teammates: Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson, and Mikal Bridges.

Regarding José Alvarado, his role in New Orleans is expected to become more secondary. Once Dejounte Murray makes his season debut, likely just after the New Year, Alvarado will become the fourth guard in the Pelicans' rotation. Murray has been out with an Achilles tendon rupture, and his return, combined with Jeremiah Fears' strong performance as the starting point guard this season, leaves Alvarado with little room in the team's lineup.