Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Gary Payton II

Discover the career path of Gary Payton II, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Gary Payton II is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Golden State Warriors in the NBA. He was a first-team All-Pac-12 player and Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year during his time at Oregon State. Payton won his first NBA championship with the Warriors in 2022, establishing himself as a valuable defensive player.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1988: Gary Payton's Triple-Double

In 1988, Gary Payton's father, Hall of Famer Gary Payton, recorded a triple-double with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists against the University of Portland.

2013: Region 18 Championship and SWAC Title

In 2013, as a freshman at Salt Lake Community College, Gary Payton II averaged 9.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.9 steals per game, leading the Bruins to a 29–5 overall record. They also achieved a 14–1 mark in the Scenic West Athletic Conference (SWAC), winning the Region 18 Championship and the outright SWAC title. Gary Payton II was also named First Team All-SWAC and made the Region 18 All-Tournament Team.

2014: Named All-American

In 2014, during his sophomore year, Gary Payton II averaged 14.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. As a result, he earned Second Team NJCAA Division I All-American honors and was voted 2014 Region 18 Co-Player of the Year and Region 18 Tournament Most Valuable Player. The Bruins finished with a 27–7 overall record and won their second consecutive Region 18 Championship.

September 23, 2016: Signed with Houston Rockets

On September 23, 2016, Gary Payton II signed with the Houston Rockets.

October 31, 2016: Acquired by Rio Grande Valley Vipers

On October 31, 2016, Gary Payton II was acquired by the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA Development League as an affiliate player of the Rockets.

December 3, 2016: Scored 51 points in a game

On December 3, 2016, Gary Payton II scored 51 points with 11 rebounds in a 140-125 win over the Los Angeles D-Fenders while playing for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

April 2, 2017: Signed with the Milwaukee Bucks

On April 2, 2017, Gary Payton II signed with the Milwaukee Bucks, and made his debut that night, scoring five points.

October 17, 2017: Two-Way Contract with the Bucks

On October 17, 2017, Gary Payton II was given a two-way contract with the Milwaukee Bucks via their NBA G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd, for the start of the season.

November 22, 2017: First NBA Start

On November 22, 2017, Gary Payton II had his first start in the NBA, playing as the starting small forward for the Milwaukee Bucks against the Phoenix Suns due to team injuries. He left the game early due to an injury.

January 15, 2018: Signed with the Los Angeles Lakers

On January 15, 2018, Gary Payton II signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. Throughout the rest of the season, he split his playing time between the Los Angeles Lakers and their NBA G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.

September 4, 2018: Signed with Portland Trail Blazers

On September 4, 2018, Gary Payton II signed a training camp contract with the Portland Trail Blazers.

October 13, 2018: Waived by the Trail Blazers

On October 13, 2018, Gary Payton II was waived by the Portland Trail Blazers.

December 12, 2018: Re-acquired by Rio Grande Valley Vipers

On December 12, 2018, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers announced that they had re-acquired Gary Payton II.

January 21, 2019: Signed with the Washington Wizards

On January 21, 2019, Gary Payton II signed a 10-day contract with the Washington Wizards.

October 24, 2019: Canton Charge Acquired Rights

On October 24, 2019, the Canton Charge acquired the returning right from the Rio Grande Valley Vipers for Gary Payton II.

October 26, 2019: Traded to the South Bay Lakers

On October 26, 2019, Gary Payton II was traded to the South Bay Lakers for Sheldon Mac and Robert Heyer.

October 28, 2019: Added to South Bay Lakers Training Camp

On October 28, 2019, Gary Payton II was added to the training camp roster of the South Bay Lakers.

November 4, 2019: Included in South Bay Lakers Opening Night Roster

On November 4, 2019, Gary Payton II was included in the opening night roster of the South Bay Lakers.

December 23, 2019: Signed with the Washington Wizards

On December 23, 2019, Gary Payton II signed with the Washington Wizards.

January 11, 2021: NBA G League Draft Selection

On January 11, 2021, Gary Payton II was selected 15th overall by the Raptors 905 in the NBA G League draft. During this season, he averaged 10.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.54 steals in 21.9 minutes per game.

April 8, 2021: Signed with the Golden State Warriors

On April 8, 2021, Gary Payton II signed a 10-day contract with the Golden State Warriors.

2021: Breakout Season with Warriors

In 2021, Gary Payton II had a breakout season with the Golden State Warriors. He later fractured his left elbow during the Western Conference semifinals.

July 6, 2022: Signed with the Portland Trail Blazers

On July 6, 2022, Gary Payton II signed a three-year, $28 million deal with the Portland Trail Blazers. Following this, he underwent offseason core muscle surgery, sidelining him for months.

2022: NBA Championship

In 2022, Gary Payton II won his first NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors.

January 2, 2023: Blazers Debut

On January 2, 2023, Gary Payton II made his debut for the Portland Trail Blazers, putting up seven points, four assists, two rebounds, and one steal in a 135–106 win over the Detroit Pistons.

February 9, 2023: Traded Back to Golden State Warriors

On February 9, 2023, Gary Payton II was traded back to the Golden State Warriors in a four-team trade.

March 6, 2024: Surpassed 1,000 Career Points

On March 6, 2024, Gary Payton II surpassed 1,000 career points against the Milwaukee Bucks in 125–90 victory.

April 26, 2025: Playoff Career High

On April 26, 2025, in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, Gary Payton scored a playoff career high of 16 points against the Houston Rockets, helping the Golden State Warriors take a 2-1 lead in the series.