Gary Payton II Reportedly 'Looking Doubtful' to Return to Warriors in NBA Free Agency

Impending unrestricted free agent Gary Payton II's Golden State Warriors career may be ending soon, with Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area writing that his return "is in serious jeopardy."

“It’s looking doubtful,” a source told Poole.

A second source provided some hope on a return but still noted that he may go somewhere else.

“Golden State still likes him, and there’s still a chance he’s back,” that source told Poole. “But they have a lot of moving parts as they work through the Jonathan Kuminga situation, so Gary could land elsewhere next season.”

The 32-year-old Payton has played five of his nine NBA seasons with the Warriors. He played 62 games (11 starts) and averaged 6.5 points on 57.4 percent shooting in 15.0 minutes per contest.

Payton joined the Warriors on a 10-day contract in April 2021. He ended up sticking with the team and played an integral role on the squad during their run to the 2021-22 NBA championship. During that season, he played 71 games (16 starts), averaging 7.1 points and 3.5 rebounds in 17.6 minutes per contest.

However, his first stint with the Warriors was short-lived. Payton signed a three-year, $28 million deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, but he underwent core muscle surgery and didn't debut until January 2023. Payton played 15 games with the Blazers, and the Warriors got Payton back via trade one month after he made his Portland debut.

He's stuck with the Warriors ever since, serving as an important and valued reserve who's been a fan and team favorite as well.

However, it appears his time with the Warriors could be winding down. That could potentially give an opportunity to ex-Florida star guard and 2025 second-round draft pick Will Richard to crack the rotation this season.