With multiple links to different veteran players, the Golden State Warriors appear to have a plan in place for free agency once the Jonathan Kuminga saga comes to an end.
Once Kuminga’s situation is solved, the Warriors look to be interested in signing multiple veterans to fill out the roster, including a former Golden State guard. According to Jake Fischer of Marc Stein’s substack, the Warriors are expected to bring Gary Payton II back to the Bay Area.
Via @LegionHoops on X:
Gary Payton II is expected to re-sign with the Warriors. per @JakeLFischer
More: https://t.co/ROFdXMDYcjpic.twitter.com/Oq1KyFTTU5
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 28, 2025
Via @TheSteinLine on X:
Around-the-league NBA notes from @JakeLFischer on a Thursday in late August because roster movement is happening this very week? Yes indeed.
Full notebook: https://t.co/PoqCNkWjXtpic.twitter.com/1SiYFJdXoH
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 28, 2025
As the Kuminga saga bleeds late into the offseason, Payton II’s name has continually been linked to the Warriors. According to multiple reports, Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton and Seth Curry are other names linked to the Warriors for potential signings this summer. However, the Warriors appear to be waiting to resolve Kuminga’s situation prior to signing new free agents.
Payton II has spent the last two and a half seasons with the Warriors. In 2024-25, the nine-year veteran averaged 6.5 points on 57.4% shooting from the field to go along with three rebounds and 1.3 assists in 62 games.
Payton II arrived in Golden State in 2020. After two seasons with the Warriors, Payton II signed with the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2022 offseason. His stint in Portland didn’t last long as the Warriors later traded for Payton II to return to the Bay Area during the 2022 trade deadline.
In five seasons with Golden State, Payton II has featured as a key piece to Steve Kerr’s defensive attack alongside Draymond Green.
This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Report: Warriors linked to Gary Payton II return in free agency
