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The key will be putting all that increased flexibility to good use and avoiding that second tax apron again. Freeing up the MLE helps for this summer, but among the remaining free agents, it’s hard to see many needle-movers left. Multiple sources confirmed the Suns’ next step after buying out Beal will be targeting a guard who can play on or off the ball, defend multiple positions and align with the toughness, energy level and basketball IQ Phoenix wants. Those sources also confirmed that a reunion with Chris Paul is highly unlikely, while De’Anthony Melton — someone who fits that description to a tee — is likely to return to the Golden State Warriors. Malcolm Brogdon is another combo guard who’s been linked to multiple teams, but beyond that, the crop of free agency guards includes Gary Payton II, Russell Westbrook, Markelle Fultz, Dalano Banton, Cam Payne and Ben Simmons.
Gary Payton II, a fan favorite beloved by his teammates, might have played his last game with the Warriors. Payton will become an unrestricted free agent on Monday, and his return to Golden State is in serious jeopardy, multiple NBA sources told NBC Sports Bay Area on Friday and Saturday. “It’s looking doubtful,” one source said Friday. “Golden State still likes him, and there’s still a chance he’s back,” another source said of the Warriors. “But they have a lot of moving parts as they work through the Jonathan Kuminga situation, so Gary could land elsewhere next season.”
Ohm Youngmisuk: Gary Payton II says he loves playing here and for Steve Kerr. “Hopefully I can run off a couple more years (with a new deal)… they know how I feel and take it (free agency) one day at a time.”
Ohm Youngmisuk: Gary Payton II said after the Jimmy Butler trade that the team talked about sacrificing and doing everything they can to win and do it for “Steph and Dray, with how many years they have left.”
CJ Fogler: Q: GP II says they are like big and little brother: Buddy: "Gary's the clumsy [brother] always doing the dumbest stuff ever." Jimmy: You literally wore the wrong shorts! The audacity" Buddy: "Somehow he lost his joy (air quotes)" Jimmy "Do you even know what those are?" Buddy: "Two fingers"
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Anthony Slater: Gary Payton II will play in Game 1 tonight in Minnesota, per Kerr. Had an illness and an elbow issue, but he is available as a defensive option on Anthony Edwards.
Dalton Johnson: Gary Payton II, still listed as questionable with an illness, was at shootaround today unlike when he missed Game 7 on Sunday
Anthony Slater: Gary Payton II questionable for Game 1 with the illness that held him out last night. Rob Dillingham out with an ankle issue. Everybody else cleared for the opener of Warriors vs Timberwolves in Minnesota tomorrow night.
Anthony Slater: Gary Payton II is out for Game 7 tonight with an illness. He started Game 6 and has averaged 16 minutes for the Warriors in this series.
Anthony Slater: Steve Kerr said Gary Payton II woke up sick, hasn’t been able to eat and “no way he can play” per Steve Kerr. He said coaching staff is in the middle of discussing rotational impact/lineup combination options pregame.
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Before Payton II left the hardwood, he walked across to get a hug and congratulatory words from his father, words that the younger Payton relishes now because it was quite the opposite during his youth. “When I was growing up, he always used to talk and say something during the game,” Payton II told Andscape. “Now, he don’t. He just enjoys the game. So, what happened a while ago is now peace of mind for me. I don’t have to worry about him no more yelling and barking. I know I’m doing something right. “He likes coming to the games. I got to be doing something right for him to keep coming.”
Even if they’re unable to truly contain Curry (or Butler), they’ll need to tighten the hedges elsewhere. Role players like Buddy Hield and Gary Payton II can’t combine for 33 points on 5-for-14 3s. Alperen Şengün can’t get completely shut down in critical moments by Draymond Green. Houston has to find ways to work around the pressure from Golden State that they know is coming Jalen Green’s way. And if Game 3 — and Brooks’ eventual disqualification — is an indicator, they’ll need to find the fine balance between physicality and legality. From an advanced numbers standpoint, it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly how these games can be won, on either side. All three games have been an ode to 90s-style brawls, a methodical, 48-minute roast. But if the Rockets can’t figure out a way to solve their Curry equation — and soon — their magical season will come to a close. If Houston thought Game 3 was a hostile environment — Draymond Green’s taunting of Jalen Green after the final whistle was the perfect encapsulation of the tensions between both sides — Game 4, with an opportunity to take a commanding 3-1 lead, will be pugnacious.
Monte Poole: Final: Warriors 104, Rockets 93 -Take 2-1 lead in series -With Jimmy Butler out, Stephen Curry a brilliant 36 -Gary Payton II magnificent: 21 minutes, 16 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, pesky defense and timely plays -Outscored HOU 58-44 in second half
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