The Golden State Warriors’ difficult offseason continues, but they are finally adding more free agents to round out the roster. Jonathan Kuminga’s free agency forced the team to delay other signings, as several veterans expected to return waited for his contract to be finalized.
Warriors fans can breathe a little easier, as ESPN insider Shams Charania reports that two of those players have verbally committed to new deals. Golden State will bring back Gary Payton II and De’Anthony Melton for the 2025-26 season. Both had been linked waiting on Kuminga’s contract negotiations, but the Warriors secured their returns before that saga concluded.
Contract details for Payton II and Melton have not yet been disclosed. Both are expected to sign smaller deals and provide depth off the bench. The Warriors also recently signed veteran center Al Horford to replace Kevon Looney, giving the team a more reliable presence in the frontcourt. Payton II and Melton further strengthen the rotation as Golden State looks to contend for another title with their aging squad this season.
Warriors Traded Melton Last Season
The business side of the NBA can be unforgiving, with players often holding little leverage. De’Anthony Melton was thriving for the Warriors last season before an injury sidelined him near the end of 2024, leading to a trade. Golden State sent him to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for veteran point guard Dennis Schroder to improve their roster.
Schroder proved to be a poor fit in Golden State and was later moved via the deal that brought Jimmy Butler to the Warriors. Melton, meanwhile, stayed on Brooklyn’s roster but was unable to contribute while injured and ultimately became an expiring contract. The Nets, entering another rebuilding season, had no interest in re-signing him through free agency, where a return to Golden State made sense.
The Warriors targeted veterans willing to wait out the Kuminga negotiations before signing. Melton now adds another option in the backcourt behind Stephen Curry and Brandon Podziemski. Playing time may be limited, with Buddy Hield and Moses Moody also expected to have roles in the rotation.
Payton II Loves The Warriors
Gary Payton II, the son of Hall of Famer Gary Payton, has found Golden State to be his ideal NBA home. Second-generation players often understand the league’s challenges better than most, and Payton II has embraced that advantage. A short stint with the Portland Trail Blazers on a bigger contract turned into a regret due to poor on-court results.
Payton II returned to the Warriors after just half a season in Portland, immediately strengthening their depth as a reserve who can defend both guards and wings. Head coach Steve Kerr has consistently trusted Payton II to defend top scorers, while also contributing offensively off the bench.
Golden State faced criticism this offseason as a rare contender that had not made upgrades while waiting out Kuminga’s controversial contract situation. The Warriors, however, have since added Horford, Payton II and Melton, while still leaving the door open for Kuminga potentially remaining with the team for one more season.
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