As the Golden State Warriors maneuvered through their offseason, re-signing veteran guard Gary Payton II was a clear priority. Early reports indicated that the Warriors had a “handshake” agreement with Payton, contingent on resolving the Jonathan Kuminga situation. However, with the 2025-26 NBA season now underway, the backcourt rotation is taking shape, and Payton’s role appears increasingly precarious. Despite earning the trust of head coach Steve Kerr over the years, Payton may find himself on the outside looking in, especially with De’Anthony Melton’s anticipated return from injury.
Payton, one of the longest-tenured Warriors outside the veteran core of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, has been a fan favorite for his high-energy plays and defensive tenacity. Apart from a 15-game stint with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2022-23, Payton has been a staple in Golden State’s lineup, bringing infectious energy and veteran experience. However, his on-court production has been limited. Last season, he averaged just 6.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 15 minutes per game, numbers that don’t scream indispensability in a crowded backcourt.
The Warriors’ backcourt situation has become notably congested. The signing of De’Anthony Melton, the rumored re-signing of Seth Curry, and the surprising emergence of rookie guard Will Richard have intensified competition for minutes. While Seth Curry is expected to fill an end-of-bench role upon his return, Richard has already carved out significant playing time in the early games of the season, signaling his potential for a serious rotational role. Meanwhile, Melton, a versatile point-of-attack defender and capable perimeter shooter, is poised to make a significant impact once he recovers from the ACL injury he suffered last season.
Although the timeline for Melton’s return remains uncertain, his eventual comeback will undoubtedly shake up the backcourt hierarchy. Melton’s skill set positions him as a potential competitor to Brandin Podziemski for the starting role, and at minimum, he is likely to secure a prominent spot in the rotation if he can stay healthy. This leaves the Warriors with a probable backcourt pecking order of Stephen Curry, Podziemski, Melton, Buddy Hield, and Richard—relegating Payton to the fringes.
As a result, Payton’s minutes, which have hovered around 10-11 per game this season, could dwindle even further when Melton returns. For a player of Payton’s caliber and tenure, falling out of the rotation would be a painful development for both the coaching staff and the fanbase. His defensive hustle and highlight-reel plays have made him a beloved figure, but the numbers and the depth chart tell a different story. With Golden State’s backcourt brimming with talent and Melton’s return looming, Payton may soon find himself as the odd man out, facing a harsh reality in the Warriors’ increasingly competitive lineup.
The Warriors now confront a difficult decision: how to balance loyalty to a veteran like Payton with the need to optimize their rotation for a championship push. While Payton’s energy and experience remain valuable, the numbers suggest his role may no longer align with the team’s evolving needs. As Melton prepares to return, the Warriors’ backcourt shakeup could mark the end of an era for one of their most spirited contributors.