Warriors Expected to Re-Sign Key Player in Free Agency to Boost Depth, Defense: Report

Because of this, Golden State has missed out on multiple free agent targets as they try to upgrade their roster around their star trio of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green with hopes to compete for a championship this season.

While the Warriors have not made any moves in free agency, they do reportedly have deals in place with Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton that are expected to be finalized after Kuminga’s situation is resolved.

On Thursday, another player was added to this list as it was reported that the Warriors are expected to bring back one of their key players from last season.

Warriors expected to re-sign Gary Payton II

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Golden State is expected to re-sign Gary Payton II in free agency.

This is a massive report by Fischer but one that is not a complete surprise as the Warriors have been showing interest in bringing back the defensive-minded guard all offseason.

Despite this, there has been rumors of other teams also showing interest in Payton II, though it appears as though he will be staying in The Bay this season.

For Payton II, he has been a solid scorer off the bench for the Warriors over the past five seasons but he is mainly known for his defense, which Golden State desperately needs in their second unit.

Last season, the 32-year-old guard averaged 6.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 57.4% from the field and 32.6% from three.

Payton II has played a large role off the bench for Golden State during his five seasons with the franchise and it appears as though that is set to continue this season, though a deal will likely not be finalized until after Kuminga’s situation is resolved.