NBA Insider Reports Golden State Warriors Potential Interest in Reuniting with $26 Million NBA Champion Amid Strong Market Interest

The Golden State Warriors may be looking at a reunion with one of their most valuable defensive assets, Gary Payton II, as the 2025 NBA free agency market heats up. The veteran guard is reportedly drawing serious interest from multiple contenders, but the Warriors remain firmly in the mix as a possible landing spot.

Multiple Contenders Interested in Payton

According to NBA insider Evan Sidery, five teams have expressed strong interest in Gary Payton II:- Milwaukee Bucks- Miami Heat- Los Angeles Lakers- Phoenix Suns- Golden State WarriorsEach of these teams is hoping to bolster their perimeter defense and bench depth heading into the 2025-26 season. However, for Golden State, this isn’t just about plugging a gap — it’s about bringing back a familiar face who already understands their system and championship culture.

Golden State Warriors’ Perspective: Why Payton Matters

From the Golden State Warriors’ viewpoint, a potential return of Gary Payton II makes more than just sentimental sense. He was a key piece during their 2022 title run, anchoring the perimeter defense and injecting energy whenever he stepped on the floor. The Warriors know exactly what Payton brings — and that kind of reliability is hard to find in free agency.Last season, Payton played 62 games and put up the following stats:

Gary Payton II – 2024–25 Regular Season Stats

While his scoring numbers may not jump off the page, it’s Payton’s defensive prowess and hustle plays that make him invaluable — especially for a Warriors roster in need of better point-of-attack defense.

Why Payton's Fit Still Makes Sense for the Warriors

With the Golden State Warriors aiming to maximize the remainder of Stephen Curry’s prime, every move this offseason carries weight. Adding a player like Payton — who already knows the Warriors’ playbook and thrives in a fast-paced, switch-heavy defensive scheme — could solidify their second unit and help bridge the gap between stars and role players.The Phoenix Suns have also emerged as a prominent suitor. According to the data available, the Suns made 14.3 three-pointers per game last season, shooting 37.8% from beyond the arc.

Payton’s addition could bring them more balance defensively, but it’s unclear if Phoenix can offer him the same opportunity — or familiarity — that Golden State can.

Phoenix Suns – Team Snapshot

Familiarity and Culture Could Tip the Scales

It’s not just about the numbers. Gary Payton II is deeply connected to the Golden State Warriors’ identity — and they know how to use him effectively. His last stint in the Bay Area proved he could thrive under Steve Kerr’s system, playing a hybrid guard-forward role and often defending the opponent’s best perimeter scorer.Sidery reports that Payton’s return to Golden State is “a possibility,” indicating that the front office remains open to bringing him back into the fold.“The Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors are all keeping tabs on the defensive-minded guard,” wrote Evan Sidery, outlining the level of league-wide interest.For the Golden State Warriors, bringing back Gary Payton II isn’t just about nostalgia — it’s a strategic move that could solidify their bench defense and add a trusted locker room presence. As free agency continues to unfold, Golden State remains in the hunt, hoping that familiarity, fit, and the lure of another title run can tip the scales in their favor.Also read: Colin Cowherd Claims LeBron James Has Accepted He’ll Never Surpass Michael Jordan’s Legacy: "MJ makes you feel something but LJ Doesn't"With contenders circling, the next few days may determine whether Payton suits up in blue and gold once again — or becomes a defensive anchor elsewhere.