Hart’s reaction to the deal would be particular notable, since his close friend — and former Villanova teammate — Donte DiVincenzo was part of the deal, along with Julius Randle, DaQuan Jeffries and a lottery-protected first-round pick from the Pistons.

The Knicks finally landed Karl-Anthony Towns in a trade with the Timberwolves, but it didn’t come easily. A lot of people weren’t even so sure the pursuit was real.