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The underrated reason behind the Golden State Warriors’ re-acquisition of Gary Payton II

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 13: Gary Payton II #0 of the Golden State Warriors talks with media during a press conference after the 104-94 win against the Boston Celtics in Game Five of the 2022 NBA Finals at Chase Center on June 13, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 13: Gary Payton II #0 of the Golden State Warriors talks with media during a press conference after the 104-94 win against the Boston Celtics in Game Five of the 2022 NBA Finals at Chase Center on June 13, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors’ re-acquisition of Gary Payton II at last week’s trade deadline was a win-now move they hope boosts their chances of back-to-back championships.

The 30-year-old fan favorite will be a welcomed addition back to the Warriors’ lineup whenever he does return from an abdominal injury. But although the franchise is fully focused on this season, they would have most certainly made the Payton deal with another longer term outlook in mind.

Gary Payton II ironically provides the Golden State Warriors with insurance should Donte DiVincenzo opt out and leave in free agency.

After Golden State lost Payton to the Portland Trail Blazers in free agency, they quickly pivoted to finding his replacement. While Donte DiVincenzo wasn’t the absolute like-for-like replacement, his signing has ultimately proven to be an incredibly valuable pickup.

So good has DiVincenzo been that it’s almost a certainty that he opts out of his $4.7 million player option for next season. The 25-year-old is shooting 41.6% from three-point range on five attempts per game, while also adding 4.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game.

Donte DiVincenzo has been a key player for the Golden State Warriors this season. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Donte DiVincenzo has been a key player for the Golden State Warriors this season. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

DiVincenzo’s form could warrant a multi-year deal at upwards of $12 or even $15 million per season. That would put him out of Golden State’s price range, meaning he likely only has months left at the franchise.

There’s little doubt that bringing Payton back is in part a realization of DiVincenzo’s anticipated departure. He has an $8.7 million deal for next season and a $9.1 million player option for the 2024-25 season.

The Warriors would certainly love DiVincenzo to opt in or re-sign with the franchise, although they’re now loaded at the guard positions. All five of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Jordan Poole, Payton and DiVincenzo will demand significant time in the rotation, with all bar the latter under contract for next season.

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It will be interesting to see how Steve Kerr utilizes Payton and DiVincenzo once the former returns, with three-guard or even four-guard lineups bound to be a regular. It’s likely to be a short-term sight though, with Golden State already preparing for life without the 26-year-old Villanova product.

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