Pro Sports

AP source: Payton II to join Blazers on $28M, 3-year deal

Posted July 01, 2022 7:00 am

By JANIE McCAULEY

Golden State Warriors' Gary Payton II celebrates with fans during the NBA Championship parade in San Francisco, Monday, June 20, 2022, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/John Hefti) The Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Gary Payton II is returning to his Pacific Northwest roots, agreeing to a $28 million, three-year contract with the Portland Trail Blazers.

A person with direct knowledge of the deal confirmed on Friday that Payton would depart the NBA champion Golden State Warriors to join a backcourt alongside Damian Lillard and lottery pick Shaedon Sharpe, selected with the seventh overall pick in last Thursday's draft.

When the season ended, longtime journeyman Payton acknowledged he couldn't wait to finally get his payday in free agency. A G Leaguer for so long, Payton was cut before the season began and he was ready to take a video job with the organization before being re-signed.

Payton said he couldn't wait 'œto just relax and take a breath.'ť

'œIt's just relief just after everything on the journey, just everything I've been through,'ť Payton said on Warriors' exit-interview day June 18.

The 29-year-old Payton - son of former Seattle SuperSonics star Gary Payton - emerged as a defensive stopper for Golden State, returning from a broken elbow to contribute in the NBA Finals against Boston that the Warriors won in six games.

Payton was injured when Grizzlies star Dillon Brooks committed a hard foul across Payton's head on a layup attempt during the second round. He fell awkwardly at Memphis on May 3.

Brooks received a Flagrant 2 foul and was ejected, then suspended for one game without pay for what the NBA called 'œunnecessary and excessive contact.'ť

Payton's efforts off the court helped make him a fan favorite and meant so much to the Warriors and San Francisco, too. He received the NBA's Bob Lanier Community Assist Award on May 31 for his work supporting dyslexic children and pushing for early assessment.

He averaged 7.1 points and 3.5 rebounds over a career-high 71 games, Payton's first season playing regularly.

The Athletic first reported Payton's new contract.

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Golden State Warriors' Gary Payton II celebrates with fans during the NBA Championship parade in San Francisco, Monday, June 20, 2022, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/John Hefti) The Associated Press

Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) puts up a shot against the Boston Celtics during the first quarter of Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (Elsa/Pool Photo via AP) The Associated Press

Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) tries to strip the ball from Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the first quarter of Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) The Associated Press

Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III (44) ad nGolden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) battle for a rebound during the first quarter of Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) The Associated Press

Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) dunks the ball against Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams (12) during the fourth quarter of Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) The Associated Press

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