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DENVER, COLORADO - NOVEMBER 07: Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors walks off the court after losing the game against 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 using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)
On Wednesday evening, the Golden State Warriors will be in Los Angeles to play the Clippers for the play-in tournament.
They finished the regular season as the 10th seed in the Western Conference with a 37-45 record.
GettyGary Payton II #0 of the Golden State Warriors dunks the ball in the first quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on March 16, 2026 in Washington, DC.
The Warriors will have their season on the line against the Clippers, so a loss would send them home for the summer.
It’s worth noting that Gary Payton II will be a free agent after the season.
He will be available to sign with any team in the league.
The former Oregon State star finished the 2026 regular season with averages of 7.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists per contest while shooting 58.3% from the field and 29.1% from three-point range in 73 games.
GettyGary Payton II #0 of the Golden State Warriors before a season opening game 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 got his start with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2016-17.
Following stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and Washington Wizards, he broke out into a key role player on the 2022 Warriors.
That year, Payton II averaged 7.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals per contest while shooting 61.6% from the field and 35.8% from three-point range in 71 games (16 starts).
The Warriors also won 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 brief stop with the Portland Trail Blazers before returning to Golden State.
His career averages are 5.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.0 steals per contest while shooting 56.4% from the field and 32.8% from three-point range in 343 games.
There is no question that the 33-year-old will be an intriguing free agent situation.
GettyGary Payton II #0 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Chase Center on April 09, 2026 in San Francisco, California.
The Warriors still have a notable roster with future Hall of Famers Steph Curry and Draymond Green.
That said, they have had an up-and-down season with a lot of injuries down the roster.
If the Warriors are able to win on Wednesday, they will then have to beat the Phoenix Suns to get into the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs as the eighth seed.
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering 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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