Former NBA Champion Commits To Warriors Return For 2025-26 Season

After a long offseason marked by inactivity, the Golden State Warriors appear to be moving in the right direction. Following the signing of Al Horford and De'Anthony Melton's commitment to return, recent updates provided by ESPN's Shams Charania indicate that former NBA champion Gary Payton II will also be committing to return to the team for the 2025-26 season.

This summer has been a rather challenging one for the Dubs. While engaged in contract negotiations and possible trade talks with Jonathan Kuminga, the Warriors were restricted in their ability to extend offers to free agents, primarily due to uncertainties regarding their cap space.

Although the Warriors have faced difficulties agreeing to an extension with Kuminga, earlier reports suggested that the team had outlined key targets for the upcoming season. With these players also showing an inclination to sign with the team, the Dubs had some flexibility in their timelines for making these additions.

With training camp and the deadline for Kuminga's qualifying offer looming, it became clear that Golden State was forced to decide on its roster construction approach. Given the current situation, however, the addition of players such as Payton will be viewed positively by the team and the fan base.

Gary Payton II has been a core member of the Warriors' rotation for most of his tenure with the team. After establishing his position as a key point-of-attack defender during the 2021-22 season, he played a key role in helping Golden State secure its fourth ring in eight years with some crucial performances in the playoffs.

Although the veteran guard briefly joined the Portland Trail Blazers for the 2022-23 season, he returned to the Warriors in the same season.

It is safe to say that Payton's addition will be well-received. As a fan-favorite, the 32-year-old brings a lot to the table for the team, primarily adding depth to the team's backcourt.

Last season, he averaged 6.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game, shooting 57.4% from the field and 32.6% from three. Given that his role on offense is limited to playing off the ball and acting as a secondary lob threat, the Warriors will effectively rely on him to play the role of a defensive stopper off the bench.

The Warriors Continue To Make Roster Additions

Aside from key free agent signings, the Golden State Warriors have also signed Will Richard, their No. 56 pick from this year's draft, to a four-year deal, according to Shams Charania. The deal is reportedly fully guaranteed for the first two years.

The rookie guard played four years of college basketball, featuring a championship run with Florida in the 2024-25 NCAA season. In his senior year, Richard showed upside as a reliable two-way player in the starting lineup, as he averaged 13.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game, shooting 48.7% from the field and 35.9% from three.

A four-year deal is indicative of the Warriors' confidence in him. With the potential to develop into a solid role player, it will be interesting to see whether he can carve out a place for himself in the main rotation in his rookie season.