SALT LAKE CITY – Gary Payton II slowly walked to the baseline at Delta Center after Wednesday morning’s shootaround, fully in character – smiling, laughing, stress-free. Payton knows the Golden State Warriors are exploring their options ahead of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline.

After acquiring Jimmy Butler, Golden State still has pieces to work with before Thursday’s deadline. Guard Gary Payton II and big man Kevon Looney represent more than $17 million of expiring contracts with which the Warriors could make another deal.

The mercurial star goes to Golden State — and agrees to a contract extension — to form a veteran core with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.