San Francisco, CA – Gary Payton II has decided to return to the Golden State Warriors for the upcoming NBA season. The experienced guard has chosen to exercise his $9.1 million contract option for the 2024-25 season, as reported by sources familiar with the situation.
Payton previously played with the Warriors for two seasons from 2020-2022 before joining the Portland Trail Blazers as a free agent in 2022. However, he made a return to Golden State during the 2022-23 season in a midseason trade.
Despite facing multiple leg injuries that limited his playing time to 44 games in the 2023-24 season, Payton maintained his contribution by averaging 5.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. Known for his defensive prowess, Payton continued to provide strong defense off the bench for the Warriors.
As the Warriors focus on enhancing their defense during the offseason, Payton’s presence on the roster will be crucial for Coach Steve Kerr’s rotations in the upcoming season. His ability to provide solid defense and valuable minutes off the bench makes him a key asset for the team moving forward.