On Wednesday evening, the Golden State Warriors will be in Los Angeles to play the Clippers for the play-in tournament. They finished the regular season as the 10th seed in the Western Conference with a 37-45 record.
The Warriors will have their season on the line against the Clippers, so a loss would send them home for the summer.
And regardless of the outcome, the offseason will bring significant roster decisions. One name to watch: Gary Payton II.
The Free Agent: What Payton II Brings
It is worth noting that Gary Payton II will be a free agent after the season. He will be available to sign with any team in the league.
The former Oregon State star finished the 2026 regular season with averages of 7.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists per contest while shooting 58.3% from the field and 29.1% from three-point range in 73 games.
Payton II is not a star. He does not fill up the box score. But he is a defensive pest, an energizer off the bench, and a player who has consistently made winning plays throughout his career.
The 2022 Championship Run: A Defining Moment
After going undrafted, Payton II got his start with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2016-17. Following stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and Washington Wizards, he broke out into a key role player on the 2022 Warriors.
That year, Payton II averaged 7.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals per contest while shooting 61.6% from the field and 35.8% from three-point range in 71 games (16 starts).
The Warriors also won the 2022 NBA Championship over the Boston Celtics.
His impact in that title run was undeniable. KalshiHoops noted on June 14, 2022: “Players in Warriors history with 15 points and 3 steals in a Finals game – Steph Curry – Kevin Durant – Rick Barry – Draymond Green – Gary Payton II.”
That is elite company. Payton II’s performance in the 2022 Finals cemented his place in Warriors lore.
The Journey Back to Golden State
Payton II then had a brief stop with the Portland Trail Blazers before returning to Golden State. His career averages are 5.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.0 steals per contest while shooting 56.4% from the field and 32.8% from three-point range in 343 games.
There is no question that the 33-year-old will be an intriguing free agent situation.
Teams looking for defensive depth, veteran leadership, and playoff experience will surely have interest. The Warriors themselves may want to bring him back, depending on their salary cap situation and roster plans.
The Bigger Picture: A Season on the Line
The Warriors still have a notable roster with future Hall of Famers Steph Curry and Draymond Green. That said, they have had an up-and-down season with a lot of injuries down the roster.
If the Warriors are able to win on Wednesday, they will then have to beat the Phoenix Suns to get into the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs as the eighth seed.
It is a tall order. But as long as Curry is on the floor, the Warriors have a chance.
The Verdict: A Free Agent to Watch
Gary Payton II may not be the biggest name on the free agent market. But he is the kind of role player that championship teams covet. He defends. He hustles. He makes winning plays.
Whether he remains in Golden State or moves on to a new team, his next contract will be worth watching.
For now, his focus is on the Clippers. The Warriors’ season is on the line. And Payton II will be doing what he does best: making life difficult for the opposing guards.
After that, the offseason begins. And with it, the next chapter of his NBA journey.