Report: Warriors Expected to Suffer Key Loss in NBA Free Agency
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The Golden State Warriors are not terribly far away from being NBA championship contenders once again. In fact, no one knows what kind of run the team could have had this season had Stephen Curry not gone down with a hamstring injury in the second round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Heading into NBA free agency, the Warriors have a few key decisions to make. They will look into making outside additions to improve the roster, but also have decisions to make about their own free agents.
Both Kevon Looney and Gary Payton II are free agents this offseason. There are teams around the league who could pursue both of them. Jonathan Kuminga is another name to watch closely.
Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors reacts complaining to the officials a no foul call on his player Stephen Curry #30 against the Dallas Mavericks during third quarter at Chase Center on...
Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors reacts complaining to the officials a no foul call on his player Stephen Curry #30 against the Dallas Mavericks during third quarter at Chase Center on December 30, 2023 in San Francisco, California. More
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
With that being said, a new report has come out that suggests Golden State could lose one of its key rotation pieces.
Read more: Report: Lakers Connected to Veteran Center in NBA Free Agency
According to a report from Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area, the Warriors are not expected to be able to retain Payton in free agency.
"It's looking doubtful," one source said Friday.
"Golden State still likes him, and there's still a chance he's back," another source said of the Warriors. "But they have a lot of moving parts as they work through the Jonathan Kuminga situation, so Gary could land elsewhere next season."
Losing Poole would be a tough blow for the Warriors. He has become a key bench piece, especially on the defensive end of the court. Over the last couple of years, he has also improved his offensive game dramatically.
During the 2024-25 NBA season, Payton played in 62 games and made 11 starts. He averaged 6.5 points, three rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 0.8 steals, while shooting 57.4 percent from the floor and knocking down 32.6 percent of his three-point attempts.
Read more: Knicks' NBA Free Agency Plans Receive Major Update
Payton is now 32 years old. His ability to defend on the perimeter will make him an attractive targets for multiple different teams across the league.
Kuminga is the more intriguing piece to watch. Golden State would love to keep the young wing, but he wants a major pay day. Plenty of sign-and-trade rumors have started swirling around him as free agency gets set to begin.
Expect to hear plenty of rumors surrounding the Warriors in the coming days. Payton is a name who could leave town even though Golden State would like to have him back.
For more on the Golden State Warriors and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
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