Warriors Haven't Closed the Door on Gary Payton II

Golden State has not ruled out bringing Gary Payton II back, per a report out Thursday. That's a small item, but it fits the shape of what this front office has been building. The big moves are done — Porzingis, Horford, Melton, Green locked in — and now they're filling the edges.

Payton played 78 games last season, the most of anyone in that second unit, and shot 58.5% from the field in about 16 minutes a night. He's never been a volume guy; he's a glue piece — switchable, active on the glass, someone who can guard without fouling. The Warriors know exactly what they're getting, which is probably why the conversation is still open.

The rotation has real depth now at the top. What it still needs is someone who can defend in the fourth quarter when Green sits and the opponent goes small. Payton does that. My read is he's the most natural fit of anyone still available for that specific slot, and the front office seems to agree enough to keep the door open.

Nothing is done. But after passing on Brown and betting on health and continuity, adding a familiar face at the minimum makes quiet sense.