After reports indicating that the Portland Trail Blazers were the biggest threat for the services of Golden State Warriors free agent Gary Payton II, it didn't take long for them to turn the rumors into reality.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, GPII is headed to the Warriors' West-Coast rival Blazers on a deal that guarantees $28 million over the next three seasons:
Free agent Gary Payton II is finalizing a three-year, $28 million deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2022
The Blazers have a similar backcourt situation as the Warriors, with a superstar point guard in Damian Lillard and a rising star scorer in Anfernee Simons, both of whom are much more offensively inclined. Adding Gary Payton II to the mix enables Portland to mix and match backcourt lineups and have a lockdown defender at the guard spot.
Payton no longer offers much upside, given that he's about to enter his age-30 season. But for a Blazers side that's looking to win now alongside Damian Lillard, getting a battle-tested veteran in Gary Payton II who was able to perform on the NBA's biggest stage is certainly a savvy move.
Payton also gets to cash in on likely the biggest contract of his career given that he's right in his prime. While the Warriors would have offered stability and a top-shelf team culture, the Blazers will likely offer GPII a larger role and much more playing time that just isn't available in Golden State. Plus, of course, more money.
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