We are more than 20 days into free agency, and there are not many big name players available on the market. Among those remaining names, free agent Gary Payton II has been garnering some attention. Widely regarded as a great defender, Payton can contribute to a winning situation. He was one of the key factors in the Golden State Warriors winning the championship in 2022.
Multiple Teams Interested in Great On-Ball Defender Free Agent
According to NBA Insider Evan Sidery, Payton has generated free agent interest from multiple contenders. Among the teams interested in his service are the Milwaukee Bucks, the Miami Heat, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Phoenix Suns. There is also the option of returning to the Golden State Warriors, who have yet to formally announce a signing despite several rumors.
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
Even though he is 6’2”, Payton can defend multiple positions, including point guards, shooting guards, and some small forwards. He is known for his aggressive and tenacious on-ball defense. Teams looking to make a deep playoff push always need extra defenders. Payton is someone who can help with that.
Gary Payton is a Cheap Free Agent Option for Contenders
Last season, Payton earned $9.1 million, thanks to a contract he had previously signed with the Portland Trail Blazers. He signed a three-year, $26 million contract with the Blazers as a free agent following the championship run in 2022. But he was traded back to the Warriors in February 2023, as part of a larger four-team trade involving the Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, and the Blazers. He is 32 years old and will turn 33 in December. But even at his age, he is still a serviceable defender. The good news for contending teams is that he will not have a high price tag. Payton might even have to take a pay cut from his previous salary.
What is the Best Fit for Payton?
Out of the five teams mentioned, the return to the Warriors might be the best option for Payton. The Bucks already have at least four guards on their roster, while the Lakers recently signed Marcus Smart. Los Angeles was a serious contender, but they probably pivoted toward Smart. Right now, they cannot even make an offer because they have no roster spot. The Heat are also loaded with guards. The one interesting option is the Phoenix Suns, who desperately need another defender alongside Dillon Brooks and Devin Booker.
But it seems like he is waiting to see what the Warriors will do. They are linked to players like Malcolm Brogdon and De’Anthony Melton. Both are guards, and signing either of them will probably mean no spot for Payton.
Is Health an Issue?
One of the reasons why Gary Payton II is still a free agent is because of his previous health issues. He was limited to only 15 games for the Blazers in his lone half-season there. There were even troubles at the deadline because of a core injury. He failed the Warriors’ physical, but eventually, the trade was finished. During the 2023-24 season, he played in only 44 games, and last season, he played in 62 games. He was relatively healthy last season, but when teams are looking to sign players over 30, they are a bit cautious in what they offer.
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