The Golden State Warriors, slowed in free agency by ongoing contract negotiations with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, finalized several key signings Sunday with training camp fast approaching.
Veteran big man Al Horford agreed to a multi-year contract with the Warriors Sunday afternoon, followed by swingman Gary Payton II and guard De’Anthony Melton securing new contracts with the team later that evening, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
Payton, a defensive-minded wing and fan favorite, has spent most of the past five seasons with the Warriors, aside from a brief stint with the Portland Trail Blazers from July 2022 to February 2023. The veteran’s defensive energy and versatility have allowed him to carve out a significant role off the team’s bench, which will likely continue in the 2025-26 campaign.
MORE: NBA insider predicts Jonathan Kuminga's next steps amid Warriors' $75 million offer
Gary Payton II reuniting with Warriors
The Warriors are aiming for another deep playoff run behind Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler as they look to maximize Curry’s remaining years. While the specifics of Payton’s new contract have yet to be disclosed, it is likely to be a team-friendly deal for the 32-year-old.
Payton appeared in 62 regular-season games for Golden State in the 2024-25 season, averaging 6.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists across 15.0 minutes per game. He also shot an efficient 57.4 percent from the field.
Despite Golden State’s latest signings, the team’s offseason remains incomplete with Kuminga’s future still unresolved. The Warriors open preseason play against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, Oct. 5.
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