We finally have confirmation that the Golden State Warriors will indeed be re-signing Gary Payton II. While rumors have swirled for weeks that the Dubs and Payton were expected to agree to a veteran minimum deal to return, Marc Stein of SteinLine reported on Saturday morning that the two sides were expected to finalize a deal by the end of the weekend. Minutes later, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Warriors had agreed to re-sign Payton to a one-year deal at the veteran’s minimum.
Already 33, limited, and with an extensive injury history, Payton only further solidifies Golden State’s attempt to run it back with the 37-win 2025-26 roster. A perplexing approach given the team’s struggles and age. Nevertheless, Payton is a favorite of head coach Steve Kerr and face of the franchise Steph Curry.
A basketball journeyman for most of his twenties, Payton found his place as a high-energy role player who has the ability to lockdown players on the perimeter. Payton has played with the Warriors for each of the past six seasons (although he did also have a short stint with the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2022-23 season). Despite his long injury history, Payton has been quietly one of the Dubs healthiest role players over the past two seasons.
In 2025-26, Payton averaged 7.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 0.9 steals in 15.6 minutes per game across 73 appearances on 58.3%/29.1%/65.0% shooting. For his career, Payton has averaged 5.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.0 steal in 15.1 minutes per game on 56.4%/32.8%/63.0% shooting.
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