Gary Payton II has opted to exercise the final year of his contract with the Golden State Warriors, according to ESPN’s Kendra Andrews. The deadline for Payton to make a decision on his $9.1 million player option was Wednesday, and he will also have the opportunity to sign an extension with the Warriors this summer.
Payton had an injury-plagued season last year, playing only 44 games and averaging just 5.5 points and 2.6 rebounds. Despite the setbacks, he made a significant impact during the 2020-21 season, helping the team win its fourth championship in the Steph Curry era.
After signing a three-year, $28 million deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, Payton suffered a core muscle injury that required surgery and played in just 15 games before being traded back to the Warriors at the deadline in 2023. Payton’s absence last season contributed to the Warriors’ defensive struggles, as they ended up with a middle-of-the-pack defensive rating and missed out on making it to playoffs.
Despite his injury issues, Payton has decided to pick up the final year of his contract with the Warriors, securing his salary for next season. There is speculation about a possible contract extension beyond next season as well, as sources close to Payton indicate that he wants to continue playing for Golden State beyond next season and believes he has more years left in him as an NBA player.
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