Trail Blazers' Gary Payton: Signs deal with Portland
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Payton agreed to a three-year, $28 million contract with the Trail Blazers on Friday, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
Payton played a key defensive role for the Warriors during their championship run last season. The 29-year-old set career highs all across the board, averaging 7.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals across 17.6 minutes per game. While fantasy expectations shouldn't be too high, Payton is in a great spot to build off his personal-best year next season with the Trail Blazers. He could emerge as the first guard off the bench behind Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons.
Warriors' Gary Payton: Breaks through with big Game 5
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Payton contributed 15 points (6-8 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), five rebounds and three steals across 26 minutes during Monday's 104-94 win over Boston in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
Payton was the leading scorer off the bench for the Warriors, and he was very efficient with a 6-for-8 effort from the field. The sixth-year guard tied his playoff career high with 15 points, which he initially set against Denver in Game 5 of the opening round this year. Payton was also a difference-maker on defense, helping to contain the perimeter while racking up a team-high three steals.
Payton (elbow) is available for Wednesday's Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Celtics, Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports.
Payton will play in Game 3 after chipping in seven points, three rebounds and three assists across 25 minutes during Sunday's Game 2 win. With Andre Iguodala (knee) and Otto Porter (foot) also cleared for Game 3, the Warriors will have all of their reserves available as they look to take a 2-1 series lead in Boston on Wednesday.
