Report: Steph Curry Urges Golden State Warriors To Sign Defensive Ace

The Golden State Warriors’ championship window remains open, but their roster construction has become a delicate balancing act. While the front office navigates complex salary cap restrictions and waits for Jonathan Kuminga’s contract situation to resolve, one voice has emerged with a clear vision for strengthening the team: Steph Curry himself is actively advocating for the return of defensive specialist Gary Payton II.

Steph Curry Takes the Lead in Golden State Warriors Recruitment

According to NBA reporter Scoop B Robinson, Curry has been in “direct contact” with Gary Payton II, pushing the Warriors organization to bring back the defensive ace on a two-year deal. This level of star player involvement in roster construction speaks volumes about both Curry’s leadership and Payton II’s value to the team.

For a player of Curry’s stature to personally recruit a role player demonstrates the profound impact Payton II has had on the Warriors’ championship culture. It’s not just about filling a roster spot—it’s about bringing back a proven winner who understands how to complement Golden State’s system.

The fact that Curry is actively engaging in this recruitment while the team remains in limbo over other roster decisions shows his commitment to maximizing their championship potential. He recognizes that role players like Payton II can be the difference between early playoff exits and deep postseason runs.

The Perfect Defensive Complement

Golden State’s current roster construction reveals a glaring weakness that Payton II could address immediately. While the team boasts offensive firepower with Curry and newly acquired Jimmy Butler, they lack a standout perimeter defender who can handle elite opposing guards and wings.

Draymond Green, now 35, can no longer be relied upon to carry the defensive load on the perimeter that he once did. This creates a significant vulnerability that opposing teams have exploited, particularly in playoff settings where every possession matters.

Payton II’s defensive versatility would provide head coach Steve Kerr with the flexibility to match up against various offensive threats. His ability to guard multiple positions while providing help defense and creating turnovers fits perfectly with Golden State’s switch-heavy defensive scheme.

Championship Pedigree and Proven Chemistry

Gary Payton II isn’t just another defensive specialist—he’s a proven champion who was instrumental in the Golden State Warriors’ 2022 NBA Finals run. His understanding of Golden State’s system, combined with his established chemistry with Curry and the core group, makes him a seamless fit for immediate impact.

During that championship season, Payton II averaged 7.1 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting an efficient 61.6% from the field. More importantly, his defensive rating of 103.6 ranked among the best on the team, and his ability to disrupt opposing offenses was crucial in several playoff series.

The chemistry between Steph Curry and Payton II extends beyond just defensive impact. Robinson noted that their half-court chemistry is also an important factor in Curry’s push for the reunion. This two-way value makes Payton II more than just a defensive specialist—he’s a complementary piece who enhances both ends of the floor.

Recent Performance Surge

Gary Payton II’s value proposition has only strengthened based on his recent performance. After the All-Star break in the 2024-25 season, he averaged 9.1 points while shooting a ridiculous 68.8% true shooting percentage. This offensive efficiency, combined with his elite defense, represents exactly the type of two-way production championship teams need from their role players.

His improved offensive consistency addresses one of the main concerns about his fit in Golden State’s system. Previously viewed primarily as a defensive specialist, Payton II has developed into a reliable offensive contributor who can space the floor and finish effectively around the rim.

This evolution makes him even more valuable to the Warriors, as they need players who can contribute meaningfully on both ends rather than specialists who might be played off the floor in certain matchups.

The Broader Impact on Team Culture

Beyond the on-court contributions, Payton II’s return would reinforce the Warriors’ championship culture. His work ethic, professionalism, and understanding of his role make him an ideal veteran presence for younger players on the roster.

In an era where locker room chemistry can make or break championship aspirations, having players who buy into the team concept and understand their role is invaluable. Payton II exemplifies these qualities, making him as valuable in the locker room as he is on the court.

His reunion with the Warriors would also send a message to the rest of the league about Golden State’s commitment to winning. It demonstrates that they’re willing to make the necessary moves to surround their core players with the right complementary pieces.

Strategic Implications for Championship Contention

The Golden State Warriors’ window for championship contention remains open, but it’s narrowing. Curry is 37, and every season becomes more precious in their pursuit of another title. Adding proven contributors like Payton II becomes essential for maximizing their remaining opportunities.

His defensive versatility would be particularly valuable in playoff matchups against elite offensive teams. Whether it’s guarding explosive scorers or providing help defense in crucial moments, Payton II offers the type of championship-tested reliability that becomes magnified in high-stakes games.

The move would also provide Kerr with additional lineup flexibility, allowing him to deploy different defensive schemes based on matchups. This strategic depth could be the difference in a closely contested playoff series.

The Path Forward

With Curry actively advocating for Payton II’s return and the basketball fit being undeniable, the Warriors’ front office must seriously consider making this move a priority. While they wait for other roster pieces to fall into place, securing a proven contributor like Payton II should be viewed as low-hanging fruit.

The combination of Curry’s endorsement, Payton II’s proven production, and the reasonable contract structure makes this one of the more straightforward decisions facing the Warriors this offseason. In a championship pursuit where margins are razor-thin, adding a player of Payton II’s caliber could be the move that puts Golden State back on top.

As the Warriors navigate their complex roster situation, listening to their franchise cornerstone’s input on team construction seems like the obvious choice. Curry’s championship experience and basketball IQ make his endorsement of Payton II a recommendation worth heeding.