The Portland Trail Blazers have signed NBA Free Agent Gary Payton II, most recently seen with NBA champion Golden State Warriors. Payton II will join the backcourt which includes Damien Lillard, Anferni Simmons, Josh Hart and 2022 lottery pick Shadon Sharp as they continue to put together what they expect Portland to be a rival team around Lillard. Shams Athletic of The Athletic tweeted the news of the deal, which is worth three years, worth $ 28 million.
Payton II, the son of NBA Hall-of-Fame point guard Gary Payton, is 29 years old and has spent six seasons in the NBA. He has played with the Milwaukee Bucks, the Washington Wizards and the 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 games with 16 starts with the Warriors last season. He shot 61.6% off the field in 4.8 attempts per game, 35.8% from a three-point arc. He increased that percentage to 65.9% and 53.3% in 12 playoff games on his way to the Golden State 2022 World Championships. The win included the first playoff run of Payton’s career.
Throughout the run, Payton’s defense and intensity were praised.
The Blazers used their mid-level exception to sign Payton. He earned just $ 1.9 million last season. 3 9.3 million per year represents a significant increase for him. Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reported that the agreement includes terms that are conducive to the guard, including player options.
The Payton II fills in the already crowded backcourt for the blazers. As Portland prepares for the crowded Western Conference arena, its acquisition could free existing players from the trade.
