In a move that comes as no surprise to Golden State Warriors fans, guard Gary Payton II has decided to opt into his $9.1 million player option for the 2024-25 NBA season, sources have informed ESPN. Payton's decision grants him the flexibility to extend his contract with the team during this offseason rather than testing the free-agent market.

At his exit interview in April, Payton expressed his desire to return to the Warriors, while also hoping to renegotiate his deal to potentially secure additional years with the organization. By choosing to exercise his option, Payton ensures that negotiations can take place while avoiding any time constraints imposed by free agency.

During his two stints with the team, Payton has proven to be a valuable asset in the Warriors' rotation. However, his availability has been hindered by injuries, resulting in inconsistent appearances on the court. Payton played 44 games last season while grappling with multiple injuries.

His injury woes began with a right calf strain, which caused him to miss 13 consecutive games between November and December. This was followed by a left hamstring strain that sidelined him for an additional 16 consecutive games between January and February. Payton has missed a total of 58 games out of 124 since rejoining the Warriors, who acquired him from the Portland Trail Blazers at last year's trade deadline.

Reflecting on the challenges faced in the previous season, Payton acknowledged the need to address his body's durability. He expressed his intention to focus on strengthening and improving his overall physical condition during the summer break. Payton stated, "It was a rocky season... Just go back to the drawing board this summer, tighten it, tune it a little bit tighter, and just kind of more bulletproof my body, take some different routes and just try to get it stronger, better, last longer."

Despite the limited number of games played, Payton showcased his efficiency when on the court, averaging 5.5 points on an impressive 56.3% shooting.

With Payton's decision to exercise his player option, the Warriors can now proceed with contract negotiations and solidify their roster for the upcoming season. It remains to be seen how the team will address the concerns surrounding Payton's availability and injuries, but his return provides them with a versatile player who has proven his worth in limited opportunities.