BREAKING: Free agents Gary Payton II and De’Anthony Melton have officially committed to the Golden State Warriors, sources confirm to ESPN’s Shams Charania. This news comes just ahead of a crucial deadline for restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, who has until October 1, 2023, to accept Golden State’s qualifying offer for next season.
The Warriors are solidifying their roster with these commitments, as they also reached a deal with rookie guard Will Richard on a four-year contract that includes two fully guaranteed seasons. This brings their total to 13 committed players.
Payton and Melton both played for the Warriors last season, although Melton faced a challenging year, battling an ACL injury that limited him to just six games before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets for rehabilitation. Payton, on the other hand, had a strong comeback, playing 62 games and participating in 11 playoff matches.
The 32-year-old Payton has been a reliable asset for coach Steve Kerr, particularly after contributing to the Warriors’ 2022 championship victory. He has mostly spent the last five seasons with the Warriors, aside from a brief stint with the Portland Trail Blazers, and is coming off a three-year, $26 million contract signed in 2022.
Meanwhile, Melton, now 27, is recognized for his versatility on the court, able to defend, space the floor, and playmake effectively. However, his recent injury struggles have limited his appearances to just 44 games over the last two seasons.
As the October 1 deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Kuminga’s decision and its implications for the Warriors’ roster. Fans are eager to see how these new commitments will shape the upcoming season.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.