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The Golden State Warriors have filled out their roster by signing point guard Gary Payton II to the 15th and final spot. The news was first reported by The Athletic.
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
The news comes shortly after the Warriors converted Juan Toscano-Anderson’s two-way contract into a guaranteed multi-year deal, and signed Jordan Bell to the vacant two-way spot. The team has now filled up all 17 available roster spots: 15 standard contracts, and a pair of two-way deals.
Payton signed with the team earlier in the year on a 10-day contract, and then a second 10-day contract. His contract was not renewed when it expired the second time, but the Warriors openly talked about the possibility of him sticking around. Now it’s happening.
By signing Payton now, the Warriors will have his services for the final two games, the play-in tournament, and any potential playoff games. He seems unlikely to play a meaningful role, but provides depth should the team suffer an injury. He also gives them a body to use in one of their final games if they end up having a meaningless contest and resting players.
In 10 games with the Dubs this year, Payton is averaging 4.0 minutes, 2.5 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 0.6 steals per game.