The Portland Trail Blazers have reached a contract agreement with NBA free agent Gary Payton II, who was last seen with the NBA champion Golden State Warriors. Payton II will join a backcourt that includes Damian Lillard, Anfernee Simons, Josh Hart and 2022 lottery winner Shaedon Sharpe as Portland continues to build a hopefully competitive roster around Lillard. Shams Charania by The Athletic tweeted news about the contractworth three years, $28 million.
Free agent Gary Payton II has signed a three-year, $28 million deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, sources say @TheAthletic @Stadion
Payton II, son of NBA Hall-of-Famer point guard Gary Payton, is 29 years old and has served six seasons in the NBA. He has also played with the Milwaukee Bucks, Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Lakers in addition to the Warriors. He averaged 7.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 17.6 minutes per game in 71 appearances with the Warriors last season, including 16 starts. In 4.8 attempts per game, he shot 61.6% from the field, 35.8% from the three-point arc. He increased those percentages to 65.9% and 53.3% in 12 playoff games en route to the 2022 Golden State World Championship. The title capped the first playoff heat of Payton’s career.
Throughout the run, Payton was praised for his defense and intensity.
The Blazers used most of their mid-level exception to sign Payton. He only made $1.9 million last season. $9.3 million a year is a significant increase for him. Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes reports that the guard’s contract contains favorable terms, including a player option.
The three-year, $28 million contract offered by Portland Trail Blazers Gary Payton II includes a player option and additional incentives, league sources say @YahooSports
Payton II populates an already crowded backcourt for the Blazers. His acquisition could free up established players for trades as Portland continues to enter the crowded Western Conference fight.