Before the end of the 2020-21 season and the Western Conference play-in tournament, the Golden State Warriors are making changes to their roster.
On Thursday, the Warriors signed Juan Toscano-Anderson to a two-year NBA standard contract. Following Toscano-Anderson’s contract, Golden State filled its open two-way spot with former Warrior Jordan Bell. After adding Bell, the Warriors weren’t done.
According to Shams Charania and Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the Warriors are planning to sign Gary Payton II to fill their 15th and final roster spot.
Via @ShamsCharania on Twitter:
The Golden State Warriors are planning to sign guard Gary Payton II this weekend, sources tell me and @anthonyVslater. Payton showed a solid defensive presence during his two 10-day contracts.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 13, 2021
In early April, Payton II signed back-to-back 10-day contracts with the Warriors, averaging 2.5 points on 76.9% shooting from the field with 1.1 rebounds and 0.6 steals in four minutes per game. While his numbers were light in limited minutes, Payton II displayed an impressive defensive effort during his time in Golden State.
With the Warriors set for the play-in tournament, Payton II will bring a steady defensive option behind Steph Curry, Kent Bazemore and Jordan Poole off the bench.
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