The Warriors have spent the summer piecing together their roster one familiar name at a time, and Gary Payton II is the latest one back in the fold.
On Saturday, Golden State added the NBA champion on a new deal, with ESPN’s Shams Charania reporting: “Free agent Gary Payton II has agreed on a one-year, $3.9 million deal to return to the Golden State Warriors, sources tell ESPN. Payton returns to the Warriors for his seventh year in the Bay Area -- and his 11th NBA season,”
That move fits the pattern for Golden State this offseason. Rather than making a splash, the Warriors have leaned into continuity and comfort, re-signing Draymond Green, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, and Payton II while trying to work around limited financial flexibility.
“The Warriors are officially running it back despite missing the playoffs last season. Golden State re-signed Draymond Green, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, and Gary Payton II this summer,” NBA writer Jake Weinbach posted.
Even after bringing Payton back, Golden State still has a few openings to fill before the season starts. One name that has surfaced as a possible fit is Dalen Terry, the former first-round pick who was recently waived by the 76ers.
“The 76ers just waived Terry to help make room for LeBron James and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. That gives the Warriors an opportunity to take a flier on a 24-year-old wing with size (6'6") and athleticism. If the Dubs want to fill out the roster with a more experienced wing than Lajae Jones, Terry is a decent option,” Akeley wrote.
Terry is still searching for the right landing spot, and Golden State could offer that chance. After Philadelphia moved him out to create room for James and Caldwell-Pope, the Warriors may see him as another low-cost swing on a player with some upside.
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