Breaking News: Golden State Warriors Waive Gary Payton II

In a surprising move, the Golden State Warriors have announced they have waived shooting guard Gary Payton II, effective immediately. The decision comes as the Warriors continue to make adjustments to their roster during the 2025 NBA season.

Payton II, a key role player for the Warriors, had been averaging 5.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.0 steals in 20.9 minutes per game over the course of 13 games played this season.

Payton II, known for his tenacious defense and ability to guard multiple positions, has been a valuable asset to the Warriors in recent years. The son of NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton, he has built a reputation for his gritty play and determination on both ends of the court.

However, despite his impressive skill set, the decision to waive Payton II appears to be part of a larger roster reshuffling as the Warriors look to fine-tune their team for the remainder of the season.

While his stats may not have been eye-popping, Payton II’s defensive presence and leadership in the locker room were considered invaluable to the Warriors, especially during their playoff runs in previous seasons. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses and make timely plays was an important element of the team’s defensive schemes.

Still, with the Warriors’ roster now standing at a full 15 players and a two-way contract, the team’s decision to part ways with Payton II may reflect both salary cap considerations and a desire to explore other options moving forward.

For Payton II, this marks the end of his second stint with the Warriors. After initially leaving for a brief time to play with the Portland Trail Blazers, he returned to Golden State in 2024. During his first run with the Warriors, Payton II played a pivotal role in their 2022 NBA Championship win, earning widespread recognition for his defense and hustle.

The Warriors’ decision to waive him likely signals that they are looking to make a move in the upcoming weeks, whether it’s for a trade, free-agent acquisition, or simply to give more opportunities to younger players.

It remains to be seen what direction the franchise will take, but with their championship aspirations intact, the Warriors are undoubtedly looking to strengthen their roster ahead of the final stretch of the season.

As for Payton II, his future remains uncertain. Given his defensive prowess and work ethic, it’s highly likely that other NBA teams could show interest in acquiring him. Whether through a free-agent signing or another team claiming him off waivers, Payton II will no doubt be a sought-after asset for any team looking to bolster their defensive capabilities.

The Golden State Warriors, meanwhile, will continue to focus on their pursuit of another championship, hoping that the changes made to their roster will provide the necessary spark for the rest of the season.