It didn’t take the Warriors long to find a potential replacement for Gary Payton II.
With the defensive ace out the door after reportedly agreeing to a three-year, $28 million deal, Golden State found a less expensive alternative in free agency, agreeing to terms with former Kings guard Donte DiVincenzo.
DiVincenzo is expected to ink a two-year, $9.3 million deal with the Warriors once contracts can officially be signed Wednesday, sources confirmed Friday afternoon. The second year of the deal is a player option. The Athletic’s Shams Charania was first to report the agreement.
DiVincenzo seems like a solid fit for Golden State, though he’s coming off one of the worst seasons of his career. After being a starter for the 2021 championship-winning Milwaukee Bucks, DiVincenzo wasn’t nearly the same this season as he worked his way back from an ankle injury suffered during last year’s playoffs.
The 6-foot-4 guard averaged 7.2 points on 33.1% shooting in 17 games with the Bucks before he was traded to the Kings as part of a four-team deal that moved Marvin Bagley III out of Sacramento.
DiVincenzo averaged 10.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.5 steals in 25 games with the Kings, who ultimately decided not to extend a qualifying offer to him this week, effectively making him available for the Warriors’ taking.
DiVincenzo’s defense wasn’t nearly as good as it was pre-injury. But the Warriors are likely anticipating that he’ll be healthy and able to return to his previous form.
Divencenzo, the No. 17 overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft, is a good replacement for Payton and is a proven role player. He’ll likely take up minutes as young players like Moses Moody continue to develop their game and build confidence.
