The Golden State Warriors have been quiet this offseason, but not every question mark in the Bay is tied to uncertainty. One familiar face appears likely to stick around.
In his breakdown of the top free agents still available, Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus predicted that Gary Payton II will return to Golden State.
Warriors Expected to Re-Sign GP2
Getty ImagesSteph Curry reportedly pushing for Gary Payton II’s return, aiming to see him back in a Warriors uniform.
Payton has always been a natural fit next to Stephen Curry. His athleticism, defensive versatility, and willingness to take on the toughest assignments make him one of Steve Kerr’s most trusted role players.
Pincus notes that while Payton may need to take a slight pay cut from the $9.2 million he earned last season, a reunion feels inevitable. The Warriors value his impact on the margins—where their stars can’t always cover—and his presence helps steady the backcourt when Curry isn’t on the floor.
Why the Warriors Need Him
Golden State has plenty of offensive talent, but their margin for error on defense has been shrinking. Draymond Green can’t guard everyone. Jimmy Butler will take pressure off Curry and shoulder heavy defensive loads, but the backcourt still needs a stopper.
That’s where GP2 matters. He isn’t a great shooter, but he finds ways to score by cutting, finishing at the rim, and turning defense into offense. More importantly, he hounds guards and wings, setting a defensive tone that few players on the roster can replicate.
What It Means for Golden State
If Payton does re-sign, it would be a stabilizing move for a Warriors team that has otherwise stayed on the sidelines while rivals added depth. It doesn’t solve every problem, but it keeps a championship-tested piece in the rotation.
Golden State is still weighing other free-agent options, including De’Anthony Melton, Al Horford, and Seth Curry. But bringing back Payton signals they’re not abandoning the defensive identity that carried them through their best years.
With Stephen Curry still playing at an MVP level, the Warriors need pieces who fit around him, not distractions. Gary Payton II fits the mold perfectly—and all signs point to him running it back in the Bay.
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