Golden State’s Offseason Clock Is Ticking - And Gary Payton II May Be the Odd Man Out
The Golden State Warriors are officially on the clock.
With Jimmy Butler sidelined for the season due to a torn ACL, the Warriors’ championship window with Stephen Curry just got a little tighter. This isn’t a team that can afford to wait for next year - because next year is the last chance. The front office has one more offseason to build a contender around Curry, and every decision between now and opening night of the 2026-27 season has to be made with that urgency in mind.
There’s no sugarcoating it: Golden State has to get this next phase right.
A Glimpse of the Future: Moody and Melton Step Up
While Butler’s injury was a massive blow, it’s also created opportunities - and two players have taken full advantage. Moses Moody and De’Anthony Melton are making strong cases for expanded roles next season.
Both have brought energy, defensive grit, and just enough shot-making to hint at bigger things ahead. If the Warriors are looking to get younger and more athletic around Curry, these two are already making that transition feel a little more seamless.
But with growth comes tough choices. And one of those could involve Gary Payton II.
Payton’s Value - and His Limitations
Since Butler went down, Payton has stepped up in his own way. Over his last four games, he’s averaged 11.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, while shooting just under 39% from deep. That’s solid production from a role player, especially one known more for his defense than his scoring.
There’s never been a question about Payton’s effort or his fit within Steve Kerr’s system. He’s a smart, switchable defender who knows where to be and when to be there.
He doesn’t take plays off. But in a league where spacing and shooting are non-negotiables - especially when your offense runs through Curry - Payton’s limitations as a scorer and inconsistent perimeter shooting raise fair questions about his long-term fit.
He was re-signed last offseason in part because the Warriors were boxed in by the Jonathan Kuminga situation, which limited their flexibility in free agency. Now, with that chapter behind them and another offseason approaching, Golden State has a little more room to maneuver - but not much.
The Cap Crunch Is Real
The Warriors are projected to have just under $33 million in space before hitting the first tax apron. If Kristaps Porzingis returns on a cheaper deal - say around $15 million - that figure shrinks fast. And with the new CBA’s harsher penalties for teams crossing the second apron, every dollar matters.
This is where it gets tricky. Golden State can’t afford to carry any roster spots that don’t directly contribute to winning.
That doesn’t mean Payton is dead weight - far from it. But it does mean that if there’s a player out there who brings more shooting, more versatility, or more two-way impact, the Warriors have to consider that upgrade.
They owe it to Curry. And to themselves.
The Road Ahead
Payton’s contract is up this summer, and he’ll likely be in line for a veteran minimum deal - a reasonable price for a player with championship experience and a deep understanding of the Warriors’ system. If he continues to play well after the All-Star break, he’ll make the decision tougher.
But Golden State is no longer in a position to make sentimental choices. This offseason is about maximizing every inch of Curry’s remaining prime. That means hard cuts, smart spending, and a roster built with one goal in mind: winning now.
So while Payton has earned his minutes and respect, the Warriors may have to look elsewhere. Because when the clock is ticking this loud, there’s no room for hesitation.