Veteran Two-Way Guard Re-Signs with the Warriors
32-year-old point guard Gary Payton II enters free agency after completing his second stint with the Golden State Warriors, including winning a championship with the Warriors in 2022. He became a valuable role player with Golden State. Payton carved out a key role in Steve Kerr’s rotation, even earning starts in Games Six and Seven of the opening-round series against the Houston Rockets. Much like his Hall of Fame father, Payton II thrives on the defensive end, often drawing the assignment of guarding the opposing team’s top perimeter threat. Today it was announced by Shams Charania that Payton II would re-sign with the Warriors.
Despite going undrafted in the 2016 NBA Draft, Payton II has carved out a nine-year NBA career, spending time with the Golden State Warriors, Washington Wizards, Milwaukee Bucks, Portland Trail Blazers, and Los Angeles Lakers. Payton II wound up on a two-way contract for the Milwaukee Bucks before making a couple of pit stops in Los Angeles and Washington as he made his way to Golden State by 2020. While the numbers don't pop, he has been able to carve out a role in the league towards the back end of his career. His career averages are 5.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.0 steals per contest while shooting 55.7% from the field and 34.0% from the three-point range in 270 games.
Coming off a three-year, $26 million contract that he originally signed with the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2022–23 season before being dealt back to Golden State. He remains a valuable contributor when healthy, but durability has been a concern, as he’s dealt with multiple injuries throughout his career. Payton II will carve out a role for his next team much like he did with the Warriors. In today’s NBA, players who can contribute on both ends of the floor, especially those who excel defensively, are always in demand, and Payton’s skill set ensures he’ll continue to have a role in the league. The Warriors hope to see Payton II’s great defensive tenacity and hard work on both ends of the floor throughout the upcoming regular season.
