3 Teams that could steal Golden State Warriors’ FA’s

Dec 11, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) and Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) battle for ball control at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) and Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) battle for ball control at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
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Golden State Warriors (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Philadelphia 76ers – Gary Payton II

Gary Payton II is one of the league’s best stories from last season. A journeyman who has spent time with multiple teams, including stints in the G-League, turned into a champion with the Warriors.

Golden State won’t be happy to let him leave in free agency and there is good reason to think they will pay the man for his improvements. Yet, if Payton wants to test the market and continue his run through the league, the Philadelphia 76ers would be an appealing destination.

Payton offers something the 76ers are lacking, perimeter defense. Specifically, from the guard position.

He’d play a similar role to his time in Golden State, only, Payton would have to carry a bit more responsibility as he would not be playing alongside the likes of Stephen Curry anymore.

While it’s more likely that Payton will remain in the Bay, Philly is an interesting landing spot for GP2 to continue his underdog story.