"Payton, meanwhile, enjoyed his healthiest season since 2021-22, appearing in 62 games for Golden State to go along with 11 playoff appearances. The 32-year-old has been a trusted reserve for coach Steve Kerr since helping the team win the 2022 championship and, aside from a brief stint in Portland, has spent most of the last five seasons with the Warriors. At 6-foot-2, Payton plays much bigger than his height on both ends of the court and was often used as a play-finisher around the rim."
"The deals will be made official following a final decision from restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, a source said. Kuminga has an October 1 deadline to accept Golden State's qualifying offer for next season. The Warriors are also signing the No. 56 pick in this year's draft, Will Richards, to a four-year contract, his agents Jared Mucha and Marcus Monk of Excel Sports Management told ESPN. Richards starred as a guard for the national champion Florida Gators last season."
"Payton and Melton were both on the Warriors' roster last season, though Melton suffered an ACL injury that kept him out of all but six games. He was traded to Brooklyn soon after, where he rehabbed from surgery. When healthy, Melton, 27, is a versatile guard who can defend, space the court and playmake with the ball. He's struggled with injuries in recent years, having only appeared in 44 games over the last two seasons."
Gary Payton II and De'Anthony Melton committed to the Golden State Warriors while Al Horford also joined the team, with deals contingent on Jonathan Kuminga's decision. Kuminga has until October 1 to accept Golden State's qualifying offer. The Warriors signed second-round pick Will Richards to a four-year contract after he starred as a guard for national champion Florida. Melton missed most of last season due to an ACL injury, rehabbed in Brooklyn, and has appeared in only 44 games over the past two seasons. Payton played 62 regular-season games and 11 playoff games, serving as a defensive, energetic reserve.
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