3 Golden State Warriors who should earn new contracts in 2022

Dec 20, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) with forward Otto Porter Jr. (32) after scoring a basket and foul against the Sacramento Kings during the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

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Warriors player who should get new contract: Gary Payton II

The Warriors received a gift in the form of Gary Payton II.

While Payton has played for Golden State the last two seasons, the opportunity hadn’t quite surfaced to see his impact alongside Stephen Curry as he saw time in just 10 games a year ago. This season has been different though.

Payton is averaging 6.8 points per game and shooting 62% from the field. For a guard, that’s absurd. He’s bringing in 3.5 rebounds per game, 1 of which is on the offensive glass. A defensive mastermind, Payton is averaging 1.4 steals per game as well.

Payton is getting just 16.6 minutes per game which makes those figures even more impressive. Payton isn’t going to require some big-time contract, but he’s certainly been a positive impact for Golden State this season, and he deserves to be treated as a valued role player.

Next. Top 30 Golden State Warriors players in franchise history. dark

At 29, Payton should be part of their plans for half a decade to come.

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