After helping the Golden State Warriors win the NBA championship last season, Gary Payton II decided to explore new options in the free agency, eventually signing for Portland.
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September 07, 2022 07:52PM EDT
September 07, 2022 07:52PM EDT
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After four years of wait, the Golden State Warriors got back to glory days by winning the 2022 NBA Finals. While having their Big Three at full strength was clearly a reason behind their success, the rotation also played a pivotal role.
Payton II seized his new reputation to sign a three-year, $28 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. Though he could have opted to re-sign with the Dubs, the possibility of a bigger paycheck drove him to Oregon.
“I had to take the money,” Payton II said on the “Truth & Basketball with George Karl,” via NBC Sports. “I had to take the money coach [George Karl]. It didn’t work out. I would love to go back to Golden State, but it didn’t work out. Just the timing and everything. Just a business deal, and I just had to take the money.
“I Love Oregon,” Payton added. “Portland is great up here. Two years with Corvallis and I had my time in P-town. But I love Oregon. But it was nothing against Oregon. I was going to take the money regardless of where it was.”
It’s certainly an interesting addition for the Blazers, who have retooled
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