Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo has been eligible to sign a contract extension since July 8th. However, the two sides have yet to reach an extension, and there are no rumors about this happening soon. Of course, this isn’t uncommon for players not to be extended immediately.
Notably, DiVincenzo has two years left on his four-year $46.8 million contract, and he is eligible to extend to a three-year $64.5 million deal per ESPN’s Bobby Marks. Currently, his contract is excellent value; however, this extension number would be a fairly hefty price for DiVincenzo. In the second-apron era, there’s a lot to consider for the Wolves when discussing an extension with DiVincenzo.
DiVincenzo’s value is unclear
During DiVincenzo’s first season with the Wolves, he posted averages of 11.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists with 42.2/39.7/77.8 shooting splits. DiVincenzo's impact as a shooter, shot creator, and playmaker is clear. However, in the playoffs, DiVincenzo underperformed, posting averages of 8.7 points, 3.3 assists, and 3.1 rebounds with 36.5/31.8/76.9 shooting splits. The season prior was a career year for DiVincenzo with the New York Knicks. Undoubtedly, this makes DiVincenzo’s value difficult to gauge.
Given DiVincenzo’s success with the Knicks and previously being underpaid, he’d likely seek the full extension amount or prefer to test free agency in 2027. If the Wolves extend him to the full amount, he would be the Wolves' sixth player, making $20 million annually. Of course, this wouldn’t kick in until the 2027-28 season. Nevertheless, in the new CBA, having this many players making $20 million or more is to say the least, challenging. Overall, unless DiVincenzo is willing to extend for less than the amount he is eligible for, the Wolves will be a tough spot.
The Wolves' options
Assuming that DiVincenzo is seeking a full extension, there are a few options for the Wolves. First and most likely, the Wolves could wait to see how DiVincenzo’s upcoming season plays out, given that he had an up-and-down season. Alternatively, they could extend to him his desired contract and make him part of their core. This would likely result in another trade for the Wolves. Shopping with or without an extension, either at the trade deadline or next offseason, is another possibility. The final scenario is that the Wolves stand pat and let DiVincenzo hit free agency in 2027. However, this is highly risky as DiVincenzo could walk for nothing.
The development of young players, including Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr., will likely influence the Wolves’ DiVincenzo decision. As a result, it remains likely they will see how this upcoming season plays out before seriously engaging in extension talks with DiVincenzo. Ultimately, expect DiVincenzo’s possible extension to loom over the Wolves for a while.