SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 28: Donte DiVincenzo #0 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Utah Jazz during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on December 28, 2022 in San Francisco, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Knicks’ updated depth chart after Donte DiVincenzo free agency signing
The New York Knicks laid low on the first day of free agency, but on Saturday, the front office agreed to trade Obi Toppin to the Pacers and came to an agreement with Donte DiVincenzo on a four-year, $50 million contract. Trading Toppin opened up a rotation spot for DiVincenzo, but that wasn’t the main reason that the Knicks decided to move on from their No. 8 overall pick in 2020.
More moves could be on the horizon for New York, such as using the veteran’s minimum to sign a backup power forward. Or, the Knicks could primarily roll with Josh Hart or RJ Barrett at the four when Julius Randle isn’t in the game. Playing Jericho Sims and Isaiah Hartenstein together is an option too.
Regardless of what the Knicks decide to do, here’s what the team’s depth chart currently looks like.
New York Knicks’ depth chart after Donte DiVincenzo free agency signing
The presumed starting five are listed first and are followed by the second unit.
PG: Jalen Brunson, Immanuel Quickley, Miles McBride
SG: Quentin Grimes, Donte DiVincenzo, Evan Fournier, DaQuan Jeffries (non-guaranteed deal for 2023-24), Jaylen Harris (two-way contract)
SF: RJ Barrett, Josh Hart
PF: Julius Randle, Isaiah Roby (non-guaranteed deal for 2023-24), Jacob Toppin (two-way contract)
C: Mitchell Robinson, Isaiah Hartenstein, Jericho Sims (non-guaranteed deal for 2023-24)
The players that are in the nine-man rotation are Jalen Brunson, Quentin Grimes, RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, Immanuel Quickley, Donte DiVincenzo, Josh Hart, and Isaiah Hartenstein.
The Knicks lack depth at forward after trading Obi Toppin, but Donte DiVincenzo’s addition means that New York has gained some much-needed shooting, defense, and spacing.
As mentioned, Tom Thibodeau could decide to give Josh Hart and RJ Barrett some run as the backup power forward, but there’s also Isaiah Roby and Jacob Toppin. Roby’s salary for next season is non-guaranteed, so the Knicks could opt to waive him. If Toppin remains on a two-way entering 2023-24, he’ll likely spend the majority of his time in Westchester.
The depth chart can change between now and training camp, especially because Evan Fournier is on an expiring contract and should be traded this offseason. Don’t expect New York to trade for James Harden or Damian Lillard, but perhaps the Knicks could make a move for new CAA client OG Anunoby. The offseason has just begun, so stay tuned.
