Mar 11, 2020; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra speaks with the media after the game at American Airlines Arena about the NBA suspending the season due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

Miami Heat Reportedly Interested In NBA Champion Guard

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 5:30 PM ET

Gary Payton II had a solid season for the Golden State Warriors.

The former Oregon State star had averages of 6.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists per contest while shooting 57.4% from the field and 32.6% from the three-point range in 62 games.

On July 22, Payton II is still a free agent who is available to sign with any team in the league.

According to Evan Sidery of Forbes, the Miami Heat are a team with an interest in Payton II.

Via Sidery: "Gary Payton II has generated recent free agent interest from the Bucks, Heat, Lakers, Suns, and also a potential return to the Warriors.

Payton is one of the best remaining on-ball defenders in free agency."

Gary Payton II has generated recent free agent interest from the Bucks, Heat, Lakers, Suns, and also a potential return to the Warriors.

Payton is one of the best remaining on-ball defenders in free agency. pic.twitter.com/o3JK9gfjY6
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 22, 2025