Warriors FA Gary Payton II, Trail Blazers Reportedly Finalizing 3-Year, $28M Contract

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, a three-year, $28 million contract is close to being finalized by the Portland Trail blazers.

He had a career best year with the Warriors. He averaged 7.1 points and 3.5 rebound while shooting 61.6% while finding a niche as a perimeter defender and efficient shot-maker.

Warriors assistant coach Ron Adams said that the things that he does on the court have to be special. He created a niche that works for him and is very helpful to a team.

After six years of trying and failing to get into an NBA rotation, the Warriors made a big breakthrough. He played for six different teams in the G League before joining the Golden State Warriors.

While he is never going to be a starter, his defensive presence became important for the Warriors last season. His absence was felt immediately after he was taken out with a hard foul. Stephen Curry, Jordan Poole and Klay Thompson are capable of carrying the offensive load, but they are not the most reliable defenders.

The Trail blazers will likely rely on Payton for short periods of defensive presence on the perimeter and to hit occasional shots.

It has taken a long time, but it looks like he has found a home in the NBA.