The Golden State Warriors brought back Gary Payton II on a one-year deal during the offseason, but the veteran guard’s playing time has plummeted. It’s becoming clear to fans that his tenure is winding down. He received his first DNP-CD in years back in early November, and in three of the team’s last six outings, he’s logged fewer than five minutes. Once a vital piece in their 2022 championship run, the 33-year-old’s future in the Bay Area looks increasingly uncertain.
With Stephen Curry’s prime years ticking away, the Warriors are fully committed to chasing titles. That’s fueling the persistent Giannis Antetokounmpo trade speculation and explains their acquisition of Jimmy Butler. Coach Steve Kerr has a history of tough calls if they boost the team’s chances—benching key veterans from their four-championship era, only for them to eventually depart. Payton’s situation fits this pattern all too well.
Golden State has struggled lately, winning just four of their past ten games amid injuries to their veteran-heavy lineup. They’re in dire need of fresh energy, more size, and athleticism—qualities Payton once embodied, but which are fading as the 33-year-old shows signs of decline right in front of everyone.
Gary Payton II may be approaching the close of his Warriors chapter. Through the first 25 games, “The Mitten” has averaged 4.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 0.6 steals in a career-low 12.3 minutes per contest. Despite staying healthy, his three-point shooting sits at a dismal 27.6 percent, with his minutes and production at their lowest since his initial stint in 2021. His value over replacement player (VORP) is a mere 0.1, and Kerr has shown reluctance to give him meaningful run.
Integrating Payton into effective lineups has always been tricky due to his limited shooting and defense-first style. At 33, those limitations are amplifying as the Warriors’ room for mistakes shrinks. It’s complicating matters for Kerr and his staff as they navigate a tight race.
The Dubs are battling for a top-six seed in the stacked Western Conference to lock in a direct playoff berth. They’re already 2.5 games behind the Minnesota Timberwolves for that last guaranteed spot, ramping up the urgency. In theory, it should be everyone contributing, but Payton isn’t factoring into Kerr’s plans.
Payton’s journey is nothing short of inspirational. Undrafted and shuttled between teams, he almost pivoted to a video coordinator role before breaking through with Golden State. Few predicted a 10-year NBA career for him, and even if it ends on a down note, his legacy remains untarnished.
The Warriors are quietly phasing out Gary Payton II, much like they did with Kevon Looney recently—and he’s far from the first dynasty contributor to fade out of the picture. As a Bay Area icon, GP2 deserves appreciation, but his days with the team are numbered. Fans would be wise to cherish what’s left of his time in Golden State.