It has been a long time since the Golden State Warriors announced the signing of a free agent. On Monday afternoon, the team issued a release stating it re-signed guard Gary Payton II. 

"The Golden State Warriors have re-signed free agent guard Gary Payton II, it was announced today. Per team policy, the terms of the agreement were not released," the team announced.

Payton played most of the last five seasons with the Warriors. He did play 15 games with the Portland Trail Blazers during that time. Payton has evolved into a fan favorite and has become one of the most important players on the squad. He was instrumental in leading the Warriors to the 2022 NBA World Championship.

Last season, Payton averaged 6.5 points and three rebounds with the Warriors. He is a vital cog on both ends of the floor, despite not putting up flashy numbers. He plays great defense and supports the stars on the team with his unselfish play.

Payton was signed just before media day was to start on Monday. Training camp will begin for the Warriors on Tuesday. They are trying to fill in their roster, which as of now has only 10 players under contract.

It was reported by ESPN's Shams Charania that the Warriors also agreed to terms with second-round pick Will Richard late Sunday evening. Richard will reportedly sign a four-year deal, with the first two years fully guaranteed.

Fellow second-round pick Alex Toohey has also agreed to terms on a two-way contract with the team.

Players such as Al Horford, De'Antony Melton and Seth Curry are reportedly waiting in the wings to sign free agent contracts with the Warriors once the Jonathan Kuminga saga is over, hopefully by October 1.