The Golden State Warriors’ offseason strategy has gained clarity with a flurry of commitments that reshape both the backcourt and the bench. According to multiple sources, Gary Payton II and De’Anthony Melton are returning to San Francisco, joining veteran Al Horford in the latest wave of moves. The organization also locked in rookie guard Will Richard on a long-term deal, ensuring a mix of experience and youthful energy as they prepare for the grind of another campaign.
The one piece still unresolved is Jonathan Kuminga. The restricted free agent has until October 1 to accept his qualifying offer, a decision that could solidify the Warriors’ vision or open new questions about the team’s future. For now, though, the roster stands at 13 guaranteed commitments, giving head coach Steve Kerr and the front office a near-final outline of the group they will take into camp.
Payton’s story has been one of persistence and fit. At 32, he remains a defensive sparkplug, someone who elevates the Warriors’ intensity the moment he checks in. Last season he played in 62 regular season games and made 11 postseason appearances, his healthiest stretch since 2021-22. That earlier season was when he first carved out a reputation as a trusted member of the rotation, helping Golden State climb to the top of the league and claim a championship. His tenacity around the rim belies his 6-foot-2 frame, and his athleticism continues to make him a play-finisher in ways that surprise opponents. With the exception of a short stint in Portland, Payton has spent the better part of the past five years with Golden State, and his return signals both trust from the organization and his own comfort in the system. He now moves forward from the three-year, 26 million dollar deal he signed with the Trail Blazers in 2022 and re-establishes himself where his career found its strongest footing.
Melton’s path has been more turbulent. Once praised for his versatility and steady two-way play, the 27-year-old guard has seen injuries cut into his progress. He managed only six games last season before an ACL injury sidelined him, and he was subsequently moved to Brooklyn to continue his rehab. In total, he has appeared in only 44 games across the past two years. Still, the potential remains enticing. When healthy, Melton is the type of guard who checks multiple boxes at once. He can switch onto different defensive assignments, he has the range to stretch the floor as a shooter, and he carries the instincts to facilitate offensive possessions when needed. Golden State’s decision to bring him back reflects not just optimism about his recovery, but also a belief that his skillset fits perfectly within Kerr’s system if he can remain on the floor. For a backcourt already rich in talent, Melton offers insurance and flexibility.
The Warriors also secured the future with a commitment to second-round draft pick Will Richard. The rookie agreed to a four-year deal, with the first two seasons fully guaranteed. His representatives, Jared Mucha and Marcus Monk of Excel Sports Management, confirmed the terms. For Golden State, it marks a clear vote of confidence in Richard’s potential, giving him the stability to develop within a veteran-heavy environment. Young players have often struggled to find minutes in the Warriors’ rotation, but Richard’s energy and athleticism could allow him to carve out a niche sooner than expected.
Beyond these individual signings, the broader picture reveals a franchise attempting to strike balance. The addition of Horford brings wisdom and experience to the frontcourt, anchoring the roster with a steady presence who has navigated countless playoff battles. Payton and Melton strengthen the guard rotation with defense and grit, while Richard offers a glimpse of what the future may hold. Together, these moves reflect a conscious effort to combine veteran reliability with younger pieces capable of injecting life into the lineup.
The open question remains Kuminga. His decision will not just impact the depth chart but may also determine whether the Warriors are simply rounding out their core or preparing for a larger shift. At only 22, Kuminga represents both promise and leverage, and the front office knows his choice will ripple into how they approach the remainder of the offseason.
For now, though, Golden State enters the final stretch of preparation with a roster that looks deeper and more versatile than it did weeks ago. The championship window is not closed, and these additions suggest an organization determined to maximize every year that remains. With Payton and Melton back in the fold, Richard signed for the future, and Horford providing leadership, the Warriors are leaning on both continuity and fresh support.
Training camp will reveal how these pieces fit together, but the direction is clear. Golden State is not standing still. They are constructing a roster that can defend, stretch the floor, and rely on voices of experience, while still nurturing the next wave of talent. For a franchise built on adaptability, this offseason has been one more example of their refusal to let the moment pass them by.
