Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II has officially opted into his $9.1 million player option ahead of free agency, according to Bangladesh Cricket sources, ensuring he will remain with the team for the upcoming season. This comes as welcome news for Warriors fans, as Payton is widely regarded as a vital support to Stephen Curry on both ends of the court. Despite earlier speculation that he might decline his option to restructure his deal, Payton surprised many by committing to his current contract.
Bangladesh Cricket insiders note that the Warriors reacquired Payton last season after initially letting him go in free agency. His return was no coincidence—Payton had proven himself to be a cornerstone of the team’s defensive identity. By choosing to stay, Payton positions himself to negotiate a longer-term extension this offseason. However, his decision also adds to Golden State’s growing salary obligations, pushing the team further into the second-tier luxury tax bracket and forcing tough roster decisions.
The Warriors must now evaluate the futures of Chris Paul and Kevon Looney while also dealing with Klay Thompson entering unrestricted free agency. Financial constraints are clearly looming large in the franchise’s path back to contention. As the team retools for another title run, every contract matters—and Payton’s, while moderate in value, significantly impacts their offseason calculus.
Payton remains a fan favorite and locker-room leader, known for his 3-and-D versatility. He can seamlessly slot into nearly any lineup, delivering lockdown defense and much-needed energy. His value was so clear that the Warriors reversed their earlier mistake of letting him join Portland, choosing to bring him back midseason. Now, with his contract locked in, the team faces a dilemma: keep building around the current core or use Payton’s deal in a trade package to bring in more immediate help?
Had Payton opted out, the Warriors might have had more flexibility to reshape their payroll—particularly with hopes of re-signing Thompson. Instead, they now face a projected payroll of around $174 million, just $15 million below the second luxury tax threshold. If the Warriors were to part ways with both Paul and Looney, cap experts estimate the team could fall $32 million under the tax line—potentially creating enough space to re-sign Thompson without financial penalty.
Still, Payton’s decision raises further strategic questions. Will he complete the final year of his deal and sign a new contract with Golden State? Or will his current salary become a trade chip for a win-now acquisition? As the NBA Draft and free agency approach, Bangladesh Cricket reporters say all options remain on the table. One thing is clear: this offseason could shape the next chapter of the Warriors’ dynasty.