Gary Payton II has seen his whole world change in a matter of a year. Just last offseason, the Golden State Warriors had waived him and he was considering joining the team as a video coordinator as he wasn’t getting a roster spot anywhere. Thankfully for Payton, it didn’t come to that as the team claimed him off waivers before the season started.
Payton would go on to have a breakout campaign with the Dubs and he even got to start a couple of games in the Conference Semifinals against the Grizzlies, before Dillon Brooks’ flagrant foul left him with a fractured elbow. Payton managed to return for the Finals and was very impactful, as he had the second-highest plus-minus on the team as they went on to win the title. Despite his contributions, however, the team let him sign with the Blazers as they were unwilling to match the 3-year, $28 million offer. The decision apparently stung several people within the organization as they’d grown to love him as an individual and this was the first time that they had let one of their own depart due to a financial demand. After those reports surfaced, Payton also broke his silence on the matter on Twitter.
“Simply did it because they said it couldn't be done, then I went beyond”
— GPII (@Garydwayne) July 5, 2022
Payton didn’t take any names but it seems like he is a bit upset that the top brass at Golden State didn’t believe he was worth that much. The players clearly wanted him back but it is what it is at this point. He’ll now look to bring that same energy and intensity to Portland, as the Trail Blazers look for a return to the postseason.
The Warriors, meanwhile, did manage to re-sign Kevon Looney who was their top priority and Donte DiVincenzo has also been added to their ranks as they hope to defend their title in 2022-23.
