Payton II signed with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2022 after winning the championship with the Warriors, but returned to Golden State during the 2022-23 trade deadline. In the 2023-24 season, the 31-year-old guard averaged 5.5 points, 1.1 assists, and 2.6 rebounds for the Warriors. Payton II has been troubled by injuries in recent seasons, appearing in only 44 games during the 2023-24 regular season; yet, he plays an important bench role for Golden State and is extremely consistent when healthy.
Gary Payton II has opted-in to his $9.1 million player option for next season, sources tell ESPN.
By opting-in, Payton II now has the flexibility to extend with the Warriors this offseason.
— Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) June 19, 2024
During his championship season with the Warriors, Payton II averaged 7.1 points, 1.4 steals (!!!), and 3.5 rebounds per game. Hopefully, he can get back to these stats, but supporters are excited to see him return for a fourth season in Golden State.
Regardless of playing time or talent, Payton II is a positive presence in the locker room who is constantly full of energy. Warriors supporters are overjoyed to see him return, and have responded to the news with chants of “LET”S GOOOOO” and “W” on social media.
