The Golden State Warriors are keeping one of their most familiar role players for another season.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, free-agent guard Gary Payton II has agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million contract to return to Golden State.
Payton set for seventh season with Warriors
Payton will enter his seventh season in the Bay Area and his 11th NBA campaign overall.
The 33-year-old appeared in 73 games during the 2025-26 season, averaging 7.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 0.9 steals in 15.6 minutes per game. He also shot a career-best 58.3% from the field.
Despite standing only 6-foot-2, Payton has established himself as a versatile perimeter defender who can guard multiple positions while contributing as a cutter, transition finisher, and offensive rebounder.
He was an important member of Golden State's 2022 championship team and later returned to the Warriors in February 2023 after a brief spell with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Former Lakers guard remains in Bay Area
Before establishing himself with Golden State, Payton spent part of the 2017-18 season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
He appeared in 11 games for Los Angeles, averaging 3.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 10.5 minutes per contest.
Payton's new deal allows the Warriors to retain an experienced defender who already understands Steve Kerr's system and has extensive experience playing alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.