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Could Steve Kerr convince pending free agent to stay at the Golden State Warriors?

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 28: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers goes up for a shot on Donte DiVincenzo #0 and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on February 28, 2023 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 28: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers goes up for a shot on Donte DiVincenzo #0 and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on February 28, 2023 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Donte DiVincenzo has been an invaluable asset to the Golden State Warriors this season, seamlessly fitting into the defending NBA champions and playing an increased role given the absence of teammates.

The Warriors signed the fifth-year guard to a two-year, $9.2 million contract last offseason, with the second year a player option at $4.7 million. Given DiVincenzo has significantly outplayed his deal, one could expect him to opt out and command more from another team in free agency.

The coaching of Steve Kerr could be a primary factor in trying to convince Donte DiVincenzo to remain at the Golden State Warriors beyond this season.

With Golden State unable to match anticipated financial offers in free agency, they’ll need to try and convince the 26-year-old through other aspects. That starts with team success, meaning this playoff run, starting with a battle against his former team in Sacramento, will be crucial in DiVincenzo’s decisions moving forward.

The other facet could be Steve Kerr, with the head coach showing immense trust in DiVincenzo after what was an up-and-down season for him at the Bucks and then Kings last season.

Donte DiVincenzo and Steve Kerr talk during the Golden State Warriors matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers in January. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Donte DiVincenzo and Steve Kerr talk during the Golden State Warriors matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers in January. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Speaking with Andre Iguodala and Evan Turner on the latest episode of the Point Forward podcast, DiVincenzo outlined the impact that Kerr has on his still developing game.

"“The beauty here is like, how much confidence that Steve instills in me to guard the top guy…It’s helping Klay be productive on the offensive end if I can exert energy guarding on the defensive end. So he doesn’t have to do certain things. So it helps the team but it also, sometimes coaches don’t realize, how much confidence it’s giving me.”"

DiVincenzo is averaging the second-most points of his career on 39.7% from three-point range (career-high). He’s also set a new career-high in assists per game, all while taking major defensive assignments on a nightly basis.

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He’ll have a major decision to make come the offseason, but for now, DiVincenzo will only be worried about preparing to face the Kings and taking it one game at a time.

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