Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzales/San Francisco Chronicle

The Golden State Warriors may seem to be in the position to re-sign Gary Payton II, but there’s a Western Conference rival that is lurking around. 

Anthony Slater of The Athletic has written that while the Warriors are being considered as the favorites to land Payton II again, the 29-year-old cager will certainly absorb interests around the free agency market this July. The Dallas Mavericks could be on the radar that must be “considered among the most serious suitors.”

After being a basketball nomad for the remainder of his career, Payton II found a new home in the Bay area. 

The veteran guard had a wonderful chapter that he marked as a member of the Warriors last season, averaging a career-high in points (7.1), boards (3.5), and steals (1.4) as a standard rotational contributor. 

As such, he became a crucial part of the Dubs’ 2022 title run against the Boston Celtics after returning from a horrible fractured elbow in their second-round matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. 

Known for his defense and professionalism, Payton II will certainly attract plenty of suitors this summer. The Warriors have to present an ideal pitches to present, with Kevon Looney also being an unrestricted free agent.