Trail Blazers, Gary Payton II finalizing three-year, $28 million contract

In the past two weeks alone, Portland has acquired Jerami Grant in a trade with the Detroit Pistons, signed Anfernee Simons to a four-year, $100 million contract extension and it's been rumored that they're "in pursuit" of Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby. It was also reported on Wednesday that the Trail Blazers were expected to offer superstar Damian Lillard a two-year contract extension exceeding $100 million.

Payton II set career highs in 7.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 17.6 minutes per game across 71 contests (16 starts) during the 2021-2022 regular season, while posting a .616/.358/.603 shooting line. He was limited to 12 games (two starts) during the Golden State Warriors' postseason run to the NBA title after suffering an elbow fracture during Game 2 of the team's Western Conference semifinal series against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Known for his defense and high-flying dunks, Payton II averaged 6.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.2 steals during the playoffs.