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The Nova Knicks are officially no more. Who are the Nova Knicks? Consisting of Knicks players Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo, this group is no doubt strong. But they have something even more than their talent that grouped them together. All 3 of these players have a tight-knit relationship, as even before entering the NBA, they played together as teammates at Villanova University. But thanks to the recent trade made by the New York Knicks and the Minnesota Timberwolves, the group has broken up.

So what’s this trade all about? Well according to sources, the trade proposed includes a 4x NBA All-Star: Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle from the New York Knicks. No doubt this trade is causing outrage from many Knicks fans though, as they desperately want the Nova Knicks to remain together. Some Knicks fans who wish to remain anonymous have commented saying: “I’m about to cry bro, no way. Donte was everything, we don’t even have a shooter now.” “I’m about to cry, man. I actually can’t. My day went back to being bad all because of KAT (Karl Anthony-Towns).” 

Although Knicks fans are all in outcry against the split of the Nova Knicks, the trio don’t seem to be as bothered by it. More specifically Donte DiVincenzo the man leaving behind the Nova Knicks. It’s rumored that despite the Nova Knick’s long-standing history together, DiVincenzo would much rather get playing time instead of being on the bench so he wants to take his talents elsewhere to get the shine he deserves. It’s even mentioned by some sources that DiVincenzo was the one pushing for the trade to go through. So in this light, although it’s a sad farewell, maybe this trade is something needed for both the franchise and the player. 

But when analyzing this trade, one has to wonder: will the trade even help the Knicks? Yes, the Knicks are getting a quality center and an NBA All-Star, but there are some cons we’re receiving from this. As the Nova Knicks played together in college, winning NCAA titles together, before the NBA, they have a strong connection and chemistry in the game. But with DiVincenzo leaving, this chemistry broke. DiVincenzo’s absence on the team will also lead to a loss on the team’s offensive capabilities as his ability to attack the basket and shoot has left the team. The team will now also have to readjust their gameplans, plays, etc, to fit in the new face of their squad. Ultimately, the connection the squad once had as a whole, took a huge hit. But then there’s KAT’s playstyle to consider too. KAT isn’t exactly a defensive center, as he lacks that fierceness and aggressiveness to overpower his opponents despite his size. We can see this lack of defensive ability in KAT’s lack of offensive rebounds, which were statistically worse than the offensive rebounds of previous Knicks centers. KAT instead, is a more offensive center, scoring points and taking on his man. 

So no doubt, Towns will be a great addition to the Knicks’ offense. But is that what the Knicks really need right now? This might lead to the Knicks taking a hit in their defense, as other players will need to pick up the slack from Kat’s lack of defense. In the end, despite Kat’s quality, he might end up being a liability to the team. But only time will tell if this trade was a great one or a bust. Knicks fans are all anxious to see how this trade will affect their team.

Do you think KAT is the final piece for a Knicks championship?