Stephen Curry wants champion teammate re-signed as he pushes Golden State Warriors into roster moves

Stephen Curry wants Gary Payton II back on Golden State Warriors

All eyes are on the Warriors’ negotiations with Kuminga, but Curry wants a different teammate re-signed. Gary Payton II, who won the title alongside Curry in 2022, has been a key role player for Golden State in recent seasons. 

NBA insider Brandon Robinson said Curry is pushing the Warriors to re-sign the 32-year-old. He wrote for Scoop B, “Steph Curry’s voice carries weight in Golden State, and once again, the franchise cornerstone is making his stance clear.

“I’m told Curry has been in direct contact with Gary Payton II, pushing for the Warriors to bring the defensive ace back on a two-year deal.”

Payton II’s defensive intensity mirrors that of his father, Hall of Famer Gary Payton. The former G-Leaguer’s grit on that end of the court is pivotal to covering the defensive deficiencies of Curry. 

He averaged 6.5 points per game last season, his best offensive output since the Warriors’ championship season when he averaged seven points and 1.6 steals per game in the Finals. 

Unfortunately for Payton, he’s part of an ever-growing backlog of players wanting to sign with the Warriors, but who are waiting for the ongoing saga with Kuminga to be resolved. 

Signs of impatience from Stephen Curry in Jonathan Kuminga saga

Frustrations surrounding Kuminga’s contract discussions are beginning to bubble to the surface in Golden State. Curry said at his basketball camp that the Warriors “need some pieces to help get us to the next level”, and he expects roster moves to have been made when training camp begins. 

But the Warriors won’t make moves until they have come to an agreement with Kuminga.

The Warriors offered Kuminga a two-year deal worth $45 million. Kuminga is willing to sign a qualifying offer worth $7.9 million for one year before becoming a free agent next summer. He could wait until October to sign that, though, and he has no reason to rush. 

That’s preventing the Warriors from officially signing their offseason acquisitions. Al Horford is one of several free agents who have been waiting weeks for their contracts. NBA insider Anthony Slater said that Horford is understanding of the situation for now, but in September, things could get “uncomfortable.” 

It seems Curry is growing impatient, too. First, he says his team needs to get better, then he pushes for Payton II’s contract. Things could get messy quickly in Golden State if they can’t work out a solution.