UPDATE: The Golden State Warriors have secured commitments from free agents Gary Payton II and De’Anthony Melton, along with Al Horford, as sources confirm their deals ahead of the upcoming NBA season. This announcement, made by ESPN’s Shams Charania on Sunday, marks a significant move as the Warriors prepare for a competitive year.
The Warriors are awaiting a final decision from restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, who has an important deadline of October 1 to accept Golden State’s qualifying offer for the upcoming season. This decision will finalize the roster, which has already seen commitments from 13 players, including rookie guard Will Richard, who has inked a four-year deal with two seasons fully guaranteed.
Payton II returns to the Warriors after a productive season where he played 62 games and made 11 playoff appearances. The 32-year-old guard, son of Hall of Famer Gary Payton, has become a key player for Coach Steve Kerr since contributing to the Warriors’ 2022 championship. Payton’s ability to perform at a high level, especially around the rim, has solidified his role as a trusted reserve.
On the other hand, Melton, aged 27, is looking to bounce back after struggling with injuries that limited him to just 44 games over the past two seasons. He was previously traded to Brooklyn after suffering an ACL injury, but his versatility as a guard—capable of defending, spacing the floor, and playmaking—could prove invaluable for the Warriors if he remains healthy.
This roster shake-up comes at a crucial time for the Warriors as they aim to build on their recent success and compete for another title. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these developments will shape the team’s strategy moving forward.
As the deadline for Kuminga approaches, all eyes will be on him to make a decision that could further impact the Warriors’ roster. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
