It isn’t easy for players to remain at the top of their games as they age.
While some may remain serviceable despite a gradual decline, this doesn’t guarantee them high-level job security.
In the Golden State Warriors’ case, a beloved 6-foot-2 ex-Los Angeles Lakers guard and NBA champion is moving in the direction, prompting Blue Man Hoop’s Peter O’Keefe to suggest the 2025-26 campaign could be his last in the Bay.
“Gary Payton II might be in his final season with the Warriors,” O’Keefe wrote last Tuesday. "Payton, meanwhile, could be in his final season with Golden State, and especially if (Nate) Williams looks like a better alternative.”
“The 2022 championship winner was already one of the Warriors' last signings on the roster this season, and has had another up-and-down campaign where his role has fluctuated significantly.”
“Payton has been a beloved player at the Warriors for years, but his time may be coming to a close and his career in the Bay could be firmly shut if Williams can make more statements like he delivered against the (Los Angeles) Clippers.”
Payton’s stout on-ball defender and respectable perimeter shooting played an integral role in the Warriors’ 2022 championship run. The Oregon State product contributed 7.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals with the Dubs that season, shooting 61.6% from the field and 35.8% from long range.
After signing with the Portland Trail Blazers before the start of the 2022-23 season, Payton returned to the Warriors midway through the year via a multi-team trade. Unfortunately, Payton hasn’t been as reliable as a three-point-shooting threat and defensive maestro during his second stint with the seven-time NBA champions.
The 33-year-old is dangerously close to shooting below 30% from deep and is no longer the longer defender he was earlier in his career. Letting Payton walk in free agency may be the most logical move for the Warriors this summer.
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