As NBA free agency continues to unfold, teams are scrambling to fill out their rosters with both high-impact stars and reliable role players. Amidst the chaos and blockbuster moves, it’s easy for some names to get overlooked. One such name is Gary Payton II — a defensive-minded guard and former Los Angeles Laker who currently finds himself without a job. But make no mistake: Payton II is no ordinary free agent. He’s a proven difference-maker, and whichever team gives him a chance is likely to land one of the biggest bargains of the offseason.
Payton II’s NBA journey hasn’t been conventional. He’s bounced around teams, signed multiple 10-day contracts, and even spent considerable time in the G League. However, when given a real opportunity, he’s consistently proven his value. Most fans now associate him with his impactful tenure with the Golden State Warriors — particularly during their 2022 championship run. But before that, Payton had a brief stint with the Lakers during the 2017–2018 season. Though he didn’t get a chance to show his full capabilities in Los Angeles, those who watched closely could see glimpses of the player he would become: a gritty, athletic, defensive powerhouse with a high basketball IQ.
What makes Payton II such a valuable addition for any team is his defensive versatility. At 6-foot-3, he’s capable of guarding positions 1 through 3 — and even switches onto bigger wings without hesitation. He’s one of the few guards in the league who can genuinely alter a game on the defensive end. He reads passing lanes with precision, has quick hands, and rarely gets caught out of position. For teams looking to tighten up perimeter defense, he’s an ideal fit.
But his game isn’t just about defense. Payton II is a smart cutter, thrives in transition, and plays with an energy that’s contagious. He doesn’t need the ball to make an impact, which makes him a perfect role player alongside ball-dominant stars. On the Warriors, he carved out a niche as an elite connector piece — always in the right spot, finishing plays, and doing the dirty work that doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet.
Given today’s NBA landscape, it’s genuinely surprising that Payton is still unsigned. He brings playoff experience, championship pedigree, and a relentless work ethic — all qualities that should appeal to contenders and rebuilding teams alike. He’s the type of player who can help a young locker room grow or elevate a playoff-caliber rotation. And considering his likely price point, he could end up being one of the best value signings on the market.
Injuries have occasionally slowed his momentum, but when healthy, Payton is an elite role player. At 31, he still has plenty left in the tank and has proven he can rise to the occasion when it matters most.
So while he may not be the flashiest name in free agency, Gary Payton II is a name that deserves more attention. A former Laker who flew under the radar, he’s now an underrated gem waiting for the right team to recognize his worth — and reap the rewards.
One thing’s clear: he shouldn’t be unemployed for long.