The Golden State Warriors have been linked to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a surprising trade that would reunite Golden State with a sharpshooting wing.
On Tuesday, Fadeaway World’s Fran Leiva pointed out that Minnesota could benefit from further roster moves, as the rotation they’ve landed on isn’t quite clicking for whatever reason.
Minnesota might decide to wait it out and hope that the team comes together further along in the season. If they do decide to venture out into the seller’s market, however, the Warriors will be waiting.
Could Golden State prepare an offer of Gary Payton II, a first-round pick (2026), and a second-rounder (2025) in exchange for Minnesota’s newly acquired asset Donte DiVincenzo? Leiva thinks so.
“The Golden State Warriors are on fire this season, sitting pretty at 12-5,” Leiva said.
“Buddy Hield has been a monster … shooting an insane 44% from deep. Defensively, Gary Payton II has been locking guys down, but his offensive contributions are a bit lighter at 4.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists a night.”
“The Timberwolves, meanwhile, are sitting at 8-8 and trying to figure out their identity … Donte DiVincenzo is doing his best, putting up 9.6 points, 3.3 assists, and 3.1 rebounds while hitting 33% of his threes. That shooting percentage feels like it’s more about Minnesota’s bad spacing than his actual ability to knock down shots.”
“Now picture DiVincenzo back with the Warriors. In their system—built on movement and spacing—he could slide in as another dangerous 3-and-D weapon. He’d give the offense more firepower while still holding his own defensively. Plus, he’s already familiar with their style, so the fit would be seamless.”
“The Warriors would get their shooter back,” Leiva added.
“Swapping Payton for DiVincenzo could really work for both sides. The Warriors get another shooter who fits their system perfectly, and the Timberwolves add Payton’s elite defense to a squad that could use it. This kind of trade feels like one that makes both teams better, as the Wolves would also benefit from a future first-rounder.”
DiVincenzo is in the second year of a four-year, $46.9 million deal.
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