Gary Payton II is on track to hit unrestricted free agency on Monday, and his time with the Golden State Warriors appears to be nearing an end.
According to Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area, multiple league sources have indicated that Payton is unlikely to return to the team. One source described the chances of a reunion as “doubtful,” while another acknowledged there’s still a slim possibility depending on how the Warriors navigate other offseason decisions.
Payton, 32, wrapped up the final season of a three-year, $26.1 million contract with Golden State. The defensive specialist appeared in 62 games for Golden State during the 2024-25 season, averaging 6.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 15.0 minutes per game. He shot 57.4 percent from the field and 32.6 percent from beyond the arc.
Despite not starting regularly, Payton played a key role off the bench for the seventh-seeded Warriors, who finished 48–34 and reached the playoffs before being eliminated in the first round.
In the postseason, he logged 16.4 minutes per contest over 11 games, contributing 4.6 points per game while shooting 44.7 percent from the field.
The 6-foot-3 guard remains highly regarded for his perimeter defense, on-ball pressure, and versatility. However, Golden State is currently dealing with roster complications, particularly surrounding former lottery pick Jonathan Kuminga, which could impact their ability to re-sign Payton.
The Warriors finished the regular season 48–34, earning the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference. They advanced past the Houston Rockets in a grueling seven-game first-round series before falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the conference semifinals.
