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DENVER, COLORADO – NOVEMBER 07: Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors walks off the court docket after dropping the sport in opposition to the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on November 7, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or utilizing this {photograph}, User is consenting to the phrases and circumstances of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)
On Wednesday night, the Golden State Warriors shall be in Los Angeles to play the Clippers for the play-in match.
They completed the common season because the tenth seed within the Western Conference with a 37-45 file.
Golden State Warriors Champion Will Be A Free Agent
GettyGary Payton II #0 of the Golden State Warriors dunks the ball within the first quarter in opposition to the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on March 16, 2026 in Washington, DC.
The Warriors may have their season on the road in opposition to the Clippers, so a loss would ship them residence for the summer season.
It’s value noting that Gary Payton II shall be a free agent after the season.
He shall be accessible to signal with any staff within the league.
The former Oregon State star completed the 2026 common season with averages of seven.5 factors, 3.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists per contest whereas capturing 58.3% from the sector and 29.1% from three-point vary in 73 video games.
Payton II’s NBA Career
GettyGary Payton II #0 of the Golden State Warriors earlier than a season opening recreation between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on October 21, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
After going undrafted, Payton II obtained his begin with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2016-17.
Following stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and Washington Wizards, he broke out right into a key function participant on the 2022 Warriors.
That yr, Payton II averaged 7.1 factors, 3.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals per contest whereas capturing 61.6% from the sector and 35.8% from three-point vary in 71 video games (16 begins).
The Warriors additionally gained the 2022 NBA Championship over the Boston Celtics.
@KalshiHoops wrote (on June 14, 2022): “Players in Warriors history with 15 points and 3 steals in a Finals game – Steph Curry – Kevin Durant – Rick Barry – Draymond Green – Gary Payton II”
GettyGary Payton II #0 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy after defeating the Boston Celtics 103-90 in Game Six of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 16, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Payton II then had a quick cease with the Portland Trail Blazers earlier than returning to Golden State.
His profession averages are 5.9 factors, 3.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.0 steals per contest whereas capturing 56.4% from the sector and 32.8% from three-point vary in 343 video games.
There is not any query that the 33-year-old shall be an intriguing free agent state of affairs.
GettyGary Payton II #0 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a basket in opposition to the Los Angeles Lakers through the first half at Chase Center on April 09, 2026 in San Francisco, California.
Looking At Golden State
The Warriors nonetheless have a notable roster with future Hall of Famers Steph Curry and Draymond Green.
That mentioned, they’ve had an up-and-down season with a variety of accidents down the roster.
If the Warriors are in a position to win on Wednesday, they are going to then should beat the Phoenix Suns to get into the primary spherical of the 2026 NBA playoffs because the eighth seed.
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been protecting the NBA for over seven years.
He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
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