Warriors’ Roster Updates
On Sunday, both Gary Payton II and De’Anthony Melton decided to return to the Golden State Warriors, as reported by Shams Charania from ESPN. Their contracts will be finalized after the outcome of Jonathan Kuminga‘s pending decision regarding Golden State’s qualifying offer, which he must address by October 1.
New Signings
In addition to Payton and Melton, the Warriors are set to officially sign Will Richards, the 56th overall pick from the latest draft, to a four-year contract. His agents, Jared Mucha and Marcus Monk of Excel Sports Management, confirmed the signing. Richards showcased his talent last season as an essential guard for the NCAA champion Florida Gators.
Player Contributions
Payton and Melton both contributed to the Warriors last season, although Melton had a challenging year due to an ACL injury that sidelined him for most of the season, limiting him to just six games before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets to continue his recovery. In contrast, Payton enjoyed an impressive comeback, playing in 62 games for the Warriors and making 11 appearances in the playoffs. The 32-year-old has been a reliable backup for coach Steve Kerr since his pivotal role in the Warriors’ 2022 championship run, despite a brief time spent with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Player Profiles
Although Payton stands at only 6-foot-2, he has consistently played above his height, excelling as a finisher around the basket. Payton is concluding a three-year, $26 million contract he secured with the Trail Blazers in 2022. Meanwhile, Melton, who is 27 years old, is noted for his ability to defend, create space, and make plays with the ball. However, injuries have plagued his recent seasons, resulting in just 44 game appearances over the last two years.
