The Warriors predicted to ‘get their shooter back’ in big trade with the West’s foe

On By Littum

The Golden State Warriors have been linked with the Minnesota Timberwolves in a surprise trade that would reunite Golden State with a sharpshooting wing.

On Tuesday, Fadeaway World’s Fran Leiva pointed out that Minnesota could benefit from additional roster moves since the rotation they’ve landed on isn’t quite clicking for some reason.

Minnesota may decide to wait and hope the team comes together as the season progresses. If they decide to venture into the seller’s market, however, the Warriors are waiting.

Could Golden State prepare an offer for Gary Payton II, a first-round pick (2026) and a second-round pick (2025) in exchange for Minnesota’s newly acquired asset Donte DiVincenzo? Leiva thinks so.

“The Golden State Warriors are on fire this season and are sitting pretty at 12-5,” Leiva said.

“Buddy Hield has been a monster … shooting an insane 44% from deep. Defensively, Gary Payton II has locked guys down, but his offensive contributions are a bit lighter with 4.5 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists a night.”

“The Timberwolves, meanwhile, sit at 8-8 and are 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 poor spacing than his actual ability to knock down shots.”

“Now imagine DiVincenzo back with the Warriors. In their system—built on motion and spacing—he could slide in as another dangerous 3-and-D weapon. He’d add more firepower to the offense while still holding his own defensively. Additionally, he was already familiar with their style, so the fit would be seamless.”

“The Warriors wanted their shooter back,” Leiva added.

“Swapping Payton for DiVincenzo could really work for both sides. The Warriors get another shooter that fits their system perfectly, and the Timberwolves add Payton’s elite defense to a team 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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