The Golden State Warriors have long been known for their loyalty to role players who fit within the team’s system and culture, especially those who have played meaningful roles in past championship runs. Gary Payton II is one of those rare players—an undrafted guard who clawed his way through the G League and multiple 10-day contracts before becoming a vital defensive weapon for Golden State during their 2022 title run. Yet, in 2025, as the Warriors seek to balance competitiveness with financial flexibility and the development of younger talent, they are reportedly open to moving on from Payton if the right offer comes along. This development signals both the unpredictable nature of the modern NBA and the harsh realities of team-building in an increasingly competitive Western Conference.
According to league sources cited in multiple recent reports, the Warriors are listening to trade offers for Payton II and are not necessarily committed to keeping him on the roster heading into the season. That doesn’t mean a deal is imminent, but it does represent a shift in stance for an organization that has often shown a deep emotional and strategic attachment to its core players and trusted veterans. The primary reasons for this openness appear to stem from a combination of injury concerns, luxury tax implications, and the need to make room for the development of younger players like Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and Moses Moody, whose continued growth could be hindered by a logjam in the rotation.
Payton’s value across the league is largely built on his elite perimeter defense, ability to guard multiple positions despite his 6-foot-2 frame, and a rare combination of hustle, anticipation, and explosiveness. He isn’t a high-usage player offensively, but his impact comes in transition, off-ball cutting, and generating turnovers that lead to fast breaks. His fit with the Warriors during their 2022 championship campaign was seamless, especially defensively, where he often guarded opposing point guards, wings, and even some small forwards. That ability to take pressure off Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson defensively was a major factor in the team’s postseason success. However, since that high point, Payton’s durability has come into question. Over the past two seasons, he has missed extended stretches due to core muscle issues, hamstring strains, and back discomfort, all of which limited his availability during key portions of the regular season and playoffs. While his defensive impact when healthy remains undeniable, the Warriors must weigh whether that value justifies his salary and roster spot, especially if he continues to miss time.
Financially, the Warriors remain one of the highest-spending teams in the NBA, and new luxury tax penalties under the league’s collective bargaining agreement have made roster construction much more difficult. Teams that operate above the second apron—the highest luxury tax threshold—face significant restrictions on trades, mid-level exceptions, and draft maneuverability. Golden State has already been forced to let go of some key contributors in recent years due to these financial pressures, including letting Donte DiVincenzo walk in free agency and parting with James Wiseman in a previous trade. Payton is owed over \$9 million for the 2025–26 season, which, for a player with limited availability and modest offensive production, becomes a difficult figure to justify—especially when considering the team’s desire to extend or re-sign Kuminga and Podziemski in the near future. By entertaining trade offers for Payton, the Warriors can explore opportunities to shed salary, potentially acquire draft capital, or obtain a younger, healthier asset who better aligns with their long-term trajectory.
Another factor that cannot be ignored is the increasing need to prioritize internal development. Kuminga is on the cusp of stardom and has shown flashes of two-way dominance when given extended minutes. Similarly, Podziemski has emerged as a potential long-term piece thanks to his feel for the game, rebounding instincts, and high basketball IQ. Both players need consistent roles in the rotation to reach their potential. If Payton continues to occupy a role off the bench and logs significant minutes when healthy, it becomes harder for the coaching staff to fully commit to the development of younger talent. Moses Moody, too, has been waiting in the wings for a larger role, and his combination of size, shooting, and defensive instincts make him a more scalable long-term piece than Payton, who is now 32 and more limited in terms of growth potential. Steve Kerr has traditionally favored veterans, but with the front office shifting its focus to the future, there is growing pressure to modernize the rotation and emphasize youth.
Still, the decision to shop Payton is not one the Warriors are taking lightly. His chemistry with Curry and Draymond Green is real. He is beloved in the locker room and is considered one of the team’s most respected defenders. His return to Golden State in 2023 after a brief stint with the Portland Trail Blazers was seen as a move that restored part of the team’s identity. But sentimentality can only go so far in a league driven by results and efficiency. With the Western Conference getting tougher every year and younger teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Houston Rockets emerging as legitimate threats, the Warriors must strike a delicate balance between honoring their championship core and preparing for a future that may not include all of their former staples. Trading Payton doesn’t mean abandoning that identity—it means adapting it.
League insiders have pointed to a few teams that could be interested in acquiring Payton, including the Milwaukee Bucks, who are reportedly in the market for perimeter defense and backcourt depth. The Bucks have championship aspirations and could benefit from Payton’s experience and disruptive defensive energy, especially alongside stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Other teams that have been floated include the Miami Heat, who are always in search of tough, gritty defenders, and the Los Angeles Lakers, who could use another perimeter stopper alongside their aging stars. In any of these scenarios, Golden State would be looking for assets that either help them shed salary, bring in a younger player with upside, or potentially acquire draft capital that could be repurposed in a future deal. Because Payton is on an expiring contract, any trade would likely involve short-term commitments and low risk for the acquiring team.
There’s also the possibility that the Warriors could re-sign Payton in the future on a reduced contract or after a trade, depending on how their cap situation evolves. Similar to how they parted with Andre Iguodala before eventually bringing him back, the organization may view a potential Payton trade not as a farewell but as a temporary departure. Still, that depends on both sides being open to a reunion and on the market not dramatically changing Payton’s perceived value. From Payton’s perspective, he has always embraced the underdog role and has spoken publicly about wanting to remain in Golden State, but he also understands the business side of the NBA. As he said during trade rumors in early 2025, trades are out of a player’s control, and it’s often better to be traded than waived. He has taken every opportunity seriously and never expected guaranteed security. His pragmatic attitude has earned him admiration from fans and teammates alike.
Ultimately, the Warriors’ willingness to entertain offers for Gary Payton II signals a broader shift in organizational philosophy. No longer simply trying to “run it back,” the front office under Mike Dunleavy Jr. is clearly preparing for the next era of Warriors basketball, one that still centers around Stephen Curry but is less reliant on familiar veterans from previous title runs. Whether or not Payton is traded before the season begins, the fact that he is available speaks volumes. It reflects a team navigating the complex intersection of nostalgia, pragmatism, and future planning. For now, Gary Payton II remains a Warrior. But if the right offer arrives—a combination of cap relief, young talent, or a pick that allows the team to keep moving forward—he may once again find himself wearing a different jersey, leaving behind another chapter of one of the NBA’s most unique careers. And for Golden State, it would be yet another tough but necessary step in keeping their dynasty alive while building what comes next.
