Donte DiVincenzo might have participated in his final game with the Golden State Warriors. A player option is included in the contract of the 26-year-old guard, allowing him to test the waters of free agency this summer.
The former vice president of basketball operations for the Memphis Grizzlies, John Hollinger, wrote an article for The Athletic in which he predicted what will happen to every NBA player whose contract included an option this offseason.
Hollinger predicted that DiVincenzo of Golden State will “seek greener pastures” this year.
“The lesser version of the Bruce Brown story, DiVincenzo rehabbed his free-agent value as a productive sixth man on a playoff team and now is likely to have offers for the midlevel exception or more awaiting him,” Hollinger wrote. “He assuredly will opt out of his below-market deal and seek greener pastures
Hollinger makes a valid point; Golden State profited from DiVincenzo’s underwhelming 2021–22 campaign, during which he appeared in a total of 42 games for the Milwaukee Bucks and Sacramento Kings. They were successful in getting him a mid-level exemption contract, which only pays him $4.7 million annually.
DiVincenzo should be able to secure a higher salary somewhere else this summer after a productive season for the Warriors in which he played in 72 games and started 36 of them. His 9.4 points on 52.5% field goal shooting and a career-high 39.7% from beyond the arc may be enough to persuade another team to demand a higher price from the Dubs in order to keep him off their roster.
Steve Kerr Urges Warriors to Retain Draymond Green
While DiVincenzo undoubtedly contributed to Golden State’s erratic season success, he is not the most significant player whose future is in doubt. Draymond Green has played for the Warriors for all 11 of his NBA seasons and has helped them win four championships.
When asked about Green’s significance by the media during his farewell interview last month, head coach Steve Kerr responded. He asserted that without the 33-year-old, Golden State is unable to contend for a championship.
“Look, if Draymond is not back, we’re not a championship contender,” Kerr said. “We know that. He’s that important to winning and to who we are. I absolutely want him back. He’s a competitor. He’s an incredible defensive player.”
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