It has only been 11 days since the transaction sent it Julius Randle And Donte DiVincenzo to Minnesota was completed, but they return to Madison Square Garden tonight when the Knicks host of the Timber wolveswrites Newsday’s Steve Popper. Randle is not expected to play as he continues to rehabilitate his right shoulder following surgery, but fans will get a chance to welcome back DiVincenzo, who played a major role in last season’s success.

“Both he and Julius have contributed so much to the organization, to the team,” coach Tom Thibodeau said. “So there is great appreciation for them and what they did. So it’s part of our competition and we certainly wish them the best. I have a lot of respect for them. I know their teammates do. I know the organization does that. I think our fans do too. They played a large part in the victory.”

It seemed that way for most of the summer Mikal Bridges would become the Knicks’ most important signing of the offseason, adding another versatile forward to a roster that looked primed to compete for an NBA title. That changed at the end of September when the opportunity to acquire arose Karl-Anthony Cities from Minnesota.

“I think it was all quick and quite unusual,” Jos Hart said. “A trade three days before training camp started, so that was already a bit strange, because that weekend you prepare for training camp next Monday. So that was unusual and then obviously we have to play them on Sunday. It’s a little unusual, but the NBA is a crazy business.”

There’s more from New York City:

• Since the opening of camp, the Knicks have been more focused on blocking out outside distractions than competing for a championship, according to Zach Braziller of The New York Post. “As much as we want to jump back to Game of 7 (of the Eastern Conference semifinals) last year and continue where we went, we have to start the journey all over again,” Jalen Brunson said. “…Regardless of what people say, whether it’s positive or negative, we have to have mental toughness and just worry about what’s happening inside this building, inside this organization.”
• Thibodeau will not have a regular backup for Towns when the season starts, Braziller added. Jericho Sims, Ariel Hukporti And Precious Achiuwa can all see the time in that role, and OG Anunoby can be used as a center in small ball setups. “Jericho’s athleticism is very different than most,” Thibodeau said. “Ariel is a young guy coming in, there is already a defensive component in him. But he has to learn the attacking part of the game, and that’s coming. But both are very good.”
• Second round pick Tyler Kolek is averaging 13 points, three assists and two steals through his first two preseason games and could be in line for playing time as the season progresses, Braziller said in a separate story. “I’m still figuring it out, finding my pace,” Kolek said. “Maybe in practice I haven’t been as aggressive looking at the basket. So it’s been kind of intentional in these matches to get those looks because then everything else opens up with my passing.