3 Golden State Warriors primed to draw headlines this offseason
Warriors player primed to make headlines: Gary Payton II
Last but certainly not least is Gary Payton II.
Payton II’s situation mirrors Kevon Looney’s more than Poole’s. Payton II is going to get offers from teams from several teams around the league. At the very least, he should get offers that top Golden State’s.
The Warriors are among the bottom three teams in cap space as they enter the offseason. Paying players like Looney and Payton II, although they are extremely important to the team’s success, is easier said than done.
Payton II shot over 60% from the field and averaged a career-high 7.1 points per game.
His suffocating defense, having a better defensive field goal percentage in the NBA Finals than Klay Thompson and Al Horford, was on full display, often being matchup with the 6-foot-8 Jayson Tatum.
While there isn’t much known about what Golden State will offer Payton II, it seems likely he takes a cut to stay with the organization that gave him a chance to shine at the highest level in basketball.
Expect him to stick around, but given he’s up for a new contract, impactful news will break regarding the 29-year-old’s immediate future.