Gary Payton II Still on the Market, but Not for Long
You know, it’s kind of surprising that Gary Payton II hasn’t been picked up yet in this NBA free agency stretch — especially when teams across the league are desperately searching for defense and energy on the perimeter.
Payton, who spent last season with the Golden State Warriors, averaged 6.5 points a game. That’s not a stat line that screams “superstar,” but that’s not really what he’s known for. What makes him stand out is his tenacity on the defensive end. He’s one of those guys who can pick you up full court, make your life miserable for 94 feet, and still be a threat offensively when needed.
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Now, let’s be clear — shooting has never been his calling card. But he does shoot a respectable 34% from three for his career, which means teams can’t just leave him wide open. He’s capable of knocking down the occasional shot, especially from the corners, and that alone gives him enough offensive credibility to stay on the floor in crunch time.
What’s interesting is that he hasn’t committed to a team yet. A return to the Bay Area with the Warriors is still on the table, but other contenders — like the Lakers, the Heat, the Bucks, and even the Suns — have all been linked to him in one way or another. So clearly, he’s on the radar. It may just be a matter of time before one of these teams makes the call.
Part of the holdup might be due to the overall slower pace of the offseason. There’s a bit of a domino effect at play here — teams are waiting on bigger pieces to fall into place, like the situation with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga in Golden State. Once that’s resolved, other moves may quickly follow.
But for Payton, he’s not going to demand a massive contract. At this point in free agency, a veteran minimum or a small exception deal is most likely. And for a player who brings elite defensive chops, playoff experience, and the ability to switch across multiple positions, that’s going to be a steal for somebody.
So while it’s a bit of a mystery why he’s still unsigned, don’t expect that to last much longer. Teams that are serious about defense and making a postseason run — they know exactly what Payton brings. And when the dust settles, he’s going to land somewhere where his gritty style of play will be valued and needed.
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