Gary Payton II is being rewarded for a breakout season.
The 29-year-old is nearing a three-year, $28-million deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, sources told Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Payton bounced around a number of teams - including numerous in the G League - before spending the last two seasons with the Golden State Warriors. He appeared in 71 games (16 starts) with the NBA champs this season, averaging a career-high 7.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 17.6 minutes per game.
He missed time during the postseason with a fractured elbow but returned for the Finals, averaging seven points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in five games.
The Warriors were hopeful they could retain Payton, but they face salary cap-related questions after their fourth title in eight years.
