Gary Payton II Returns to Warriors on One-Year, $3.9M Deal

Gary Payton II has officially signed a one-year, $3.9 million veteran minimum contract to return to the Golden State Warriors. The deal bolsters the team's defensive depth for the 2026-27 season and finalizes his free agency status. Following the announcement, Payton expressed his focus on a bounce-back campaign. This agreement reunites the defensive-minded forward with the franchise, providing key roster stability as he prepares for the upcoming year.