The Golden State Warriors have had a quiet offseason following their Western Conference semifinals loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, holding off on major moves while negotiating with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga.
However, the team has reportedly been in talks with multiple free agents this summer, including Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II. With training camp fast approaching, the club will look to resolve the Kuminga situation and gear up for a deep playoff run in the 2025-26 campaign.
Despite making no significant moves so far this offseason, the Warriors are expected to reunite with Payton, according to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report.
“Similar to De’Anthony Melton, Payton appears to be waiting on the Warriors to either sign or move on from Jonathan Kuminga (perhaps via sign-and-trade),” Pincus wrote. “The veteran defensive wing has been a staple with the franchise. Payton’s ability to defend in the backcourt is an important complement to Steph Curry. Expect him back in Golden State before long.”
MORE: Al Horford may make surprising decision amid Jonathan Kuminga contract stalemate
Following Kuminga’s contract stalemate, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Payton re-sign with the Warriors for his 10th NBA season.
The defensive-minded wing has been a solid contributor for the Warriors in recent years. He joined the team late in the 2020-21 campaign and became an impact player the following season. After a brief stint with the Portland Trail Blazers, the 32-year-old was traded back to the Warriors in February 2023, where he has remained since.
Payton has provided a spark off the bench in his past two seasons with Golden State and remains a talented defender. While nothing is official, the veteran guard is likely to return to the Warriors once the Kuminga situation is resolved.
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