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, who played an instrumental role in Golden State’s 2022 championship run, also wants to return. The mutual interest is there. And when Curry co-signs it, the conversation shifts from possibility to priority.
For Curry, Payton II represents more than just a roster piece. The 32-year-old guard embodies the grit and defensive identity that has often complemented Golden State’s free-flowing offense. His on-ball defense, knack for guarding multiple positions, and ability to create turnovers fueled the Warriors’ title run three years ago. On top of that, Payton’s cutting, finishing, and chemistry with Curry in the halfcourt gave Golden State a unique dimension on both ends.
His story also resonates with the locker room. After bouncing around the league and even spending time in the G League, Payton II found his niche with Golden State and became a fan favorite. Injuries, including a nagging core issue that slowed him last season, dimmed some of that momentum, but his value to the Warriors is undeniable. When he’s on the floor, Golden State’s defensive rating spikes, and Curry has repeatedly pointed to his energy as a difference-maker.
Draymond Green, I’m told, has already given his blessing, aligning with Curry’s push for Payton II’s return. That kind of star-player approval is hard for the Warriors front office to ignore, especially in a season where roster tweaks feel inevitable.
But there’s another layer. The Warriors have been quiet on the transaction front this year, largely because they’re sorting out Jonathan Kuminga’s future. While the Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans have also shown varying levels of interest in Kuminga this offseason, the 22-year-old forward remains a focal point in Golden State’s plans and until those logistics are figured out, other moves sit in limbo.
Still, Payton II isn’t the only potential addition tied to the Kuminga decision. Veteran big man Al Horford, I’m told has made a verbal commitment to join the Warriors, but his arrival also depends on how the Kuminga situation unfolds.
For now, Curry’s message is loud and clear: he wants Payton II back in the Bay. When Steph speaks, the Warriors usually move. Add Draymond’s seal of approval, Horford’s verbal commitment and the uncertainty around Kuminga, and Golden State’s quiet offseason could get very loud very soon.
