The Warriors will sign guard Gary Payton II this weekend to a contract for the rest of the season, multiple league sources confirmed with the Bay Area News Group.
Payton, who impressed the Warriors with his defensive ability during a 20-game stint earlier in the season, will fill out the Warriors’ 15-man roster and be eligible for the playoffs. Golden State will also promote forward Juan Toscano-Anderson on a two-year deal and sign center Jordan Bell by the end of Thursday.
After signing the first of two 10-day contracts in early April, Payton averaged 2.5 points, 1.1 rebounds, 0.6 steals and 4.0 minutes in 10 appearances. When in need of a jolt defensively, head coach Steve Kerr often turned to Payton during various times in the game.
When Payton’s second 10-day contract expired at the end of April, league rules prevented Golden State from signing him to a third. This deal will pay Payton, 28, the prorated minimum for the rest of the season and give him a chance to make the team next season.
