3 free agents that can replace Donte DiVincenzo at the Golden State Warriors

Josh Richardson

Coming off a $12.2 million contract in 2022-23, it’s hard to envisage Josh Richardson accepting a minimum contract in free agency. However, having never made it past the second-round of the postseason, and with just five playoff series’ in eight years, maybe the Warriors can lure him with the thought of championship contention.

Golden State have been able to attract these types of players the last two seasons, albeit Otto Porter Jr. and DiVincenzo were discounted due to injury issues. At 29 years of age and perhaps looking for one more reasonable contract, maybe Richardson could afford to have a year at the Warriors in order to raise his value next offseason.

On the floor Richardson might be the most comparable player to DiVincenzo that the Warriors could acquire this offseason. He’s well-rounded rather than a one-dimensional player who excels in one particularly aspect, making him an attractive proposition for the Warriors who covet the ability to bring a range of facets to the table.

Richardson’s not exactly the three-point shooter DiVincenzo is, but he did knock down 36.5% of his triples last season on 4.5 attempts per game. That was playing with the San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans, both teams who possess significantly less perimeter threats than the Warriors.

He’s not an out-and-out playmaker by any means, but he averaged 3.3 assists with the Spurs last season and averaged over four with the Miami Heat in 2018-19. Richardson’s comfortable with the ball in his hands, potentially offering the same kind of off and on-ball production that DiVincenzo did in the Warriors’ second unit.

At 6’6” with a 6’10” wingspan, Richardson has long been known for his rugged defense having averaged over a steal per game in five of his eight years. The major question mark is what kind of impact he can still have on a winning team, with his box score numbers from last season undoubtedly inflated due to holding increased responsibility in San Antonio.

It might not be totally realistic but it’s not out of the realms of possibility that the Warriors can land him on a minimum. With a broad skillset and veteran experience, Richardson may be the best possible replacement for the loss of DiVincenzo.