Gary Payton II has carved his own path in the NBA as a tenacious defender and reliable role player, following in the footsteps of his Hall of Fame father, Gary Payton. Known for his hustle and defensive instincts, Payton II’s journey from undrafted prospect to NBA champion reflects his perseverance. As of 2025, he remains a key contributor for the Golden State Warriors.
This article explores his personal life, career milestones, financial achievements, and current standing in the league.
Gary Payton II’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gary Payton II |
| Date of Birth | December 1, 1992 |
| Age | 32 years old |
| Education | Oregon State University |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 195 lbs (88 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2016 |
| Net Worth | $30.24 million |
| Salary (2024–25) | $9,130,000 |
| Wife | Monique James (married July 26, 1997) |
| Children | Gary II, Julian, Raquel (with Monique); another son, Gary Payton Jr. |
| N/A | |
| N/A |
Early Career
Gary Payton II’s early basketball journey was anything but straightforward, shaped by both his famous lineage and his determination to forge his own identity.
Born in Seattle to NBA legend Gary Payton, he grew up around the game but faced challenges carving his own path. His high school years were marked by academic struggles and multiple school changes. He initially attended Spring Valley High School in Las Vegas, where he lettered in basketball and swimming, but later moved to Skyline High School in Oakland, California.
However, academic ineligibility temporarily sidelined him, forcing him to refocus under his father’s guidance. To rebuild his prospects, Payton II enrolled at Westwind Preparatory Academy in Arizona for the 2011–12 season, a move aimed at improving his academic standing and visibility. His perseverance paid off when he earned a spot at Salt Lake Community College in Utah.
Over two seasons (2012–14), he developed into a standout player, averaging 9.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists as a freshman. By his sophomore year, his stats jumped to 14.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, earning him Second Team NJCAA All-American honors and Region 18 Co-Player of the Year.
His defensive instincts began to shine, foreshadowing his future NBA role. In 2014, Payton II transferred to Oregon State University, his father’s alma mater, joining a team in transition under new coach Wayne Tinkle. Despite low preseason expectations—the Beavers were picked to finish 12th in the Pac-12—Payton II became the heart of the squad. He led the team in scoring, rebounds, and steals during his junior year, posting 13.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.2 steals per game.
His triple-double against Grambling State (10 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists) made him just the second Oregon State player to achieve the feat, joining his father. Payton II’s defensive prowess defined his college career. He became the first player in Pac-12 history to win Defensive Player of the Year twice (2015, 2016) while also earning First-Team All-Pac-12 honors both seasons.
His 175 career steals at Oregon State remain a program record, and he finished with averages of 14.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.8 steals over two seasons. Despite these accolades, he went undrafted in the 2016 NBA Draft, a setback that fueled his underdog mentality. Critics questioned his shooting consistency and perceived “softness,” but his work ethic and defensive tenacity laid the groundwork for his eventual NBA breakthrough.
Professional Career
Gary Payton II’s professional career is a testament to resilience, marked by gritty defense and clutch performances despite early setbacks. After going undrafted in 2016, he signed with the Milwaukee Bucks but saw limited action, averaging 3.3 points in six games during his rookie season.
Over the next three years, he bounced between the Los Angeles Lakers and Washington Wizards on short-term contracts, often relegated to the G League. His tenacity began to pay off in the 2019–20 season with Washington, where he averaged 1.1 steals per game in 29 appearances, showcasing his defensive potential.
His breakthrough came in 2021–22 with the Golden State Warriors, where he became a key rotational player. Averaging 7.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game, he provided lockdown defense and electrifying dunks, helping the Warriors secure their fourth NBA title in eight years. His highlight moment came in Game 5 of the Finals against Boston, where his defensive stops and transition plays shifted momentum in Golden State’s favor.
In July 2022, Payton II signed a 3-year, $26.15 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers, but injuries limited him to just 15 games. A mid-season trade back to the Warriors in 2023 reignited his career, though recurring calf and abdominal issues sidelined him intermittently. Despite this, he remained a fan favorite for his hustle, posting a career-best 61.6% field goal percentage in 2021–22 and maintaining 58.2% shooting in the 2024–25 season.
As of 2025, Payton II continues to thrive in Golden State, averaging 6.5 points and 0.8 steals in 56 games. His current contract guarantees him $9.13 million for the 2024–25 season, reflecting his value as a veteran leader and defensive anchor.
Gary Payton II’s Net Worth Details
Gary Payton II’s net worth is estimated to be $30.24 million as of 2025.
Contract
Gary Payton II’s current contract with the Golden State Warriors guarantees him $9.13 million for the 2024–25 season after he exercised his player option in June 2024. This decision locks him into the final year of a three-year, $26.15 million deal originally signed with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2022 before being traded back to Golden State in 2023.
The contract leaves open the possibility of an extension, though Payton could also enter unrestricted free agency in 2025 if no new agreement is reached. His expiring salary provides flexibility for potential trades as Golden State reshapes its roster around Stephen Curry.
Salary
Gary Payton II will earn $9.13 million during the 2024–25 NBA season as part of the final year of his three-year, $26.15 million contract signed with Portland in 2022. This salary reflects his role as a defensive specialist for the Golden State Warriors, who reacquired him via trade in 2023.
The deal includes a player option for 2024–25, which Payton exercised in June 2024 to secure his earnings amid injury concerns. His expiring contract provides flexibility for Golden State—they could extend him, use his salary for trade matching, or let him enter unrestricted free agency in 2025. Payton’s earnings this season rank him as the fourth-highest-paid player on the Warriors’ roster, behind stars like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team(s) | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2016–17 | Houston Rockets | $578,637 |
| 2017–18 | Milwaukee Bucks | $100,000 |
| 2018–19 | Washington Wizards | $85,458 |
| 2019–20 | Washington Wizards | $1,090,781 |
| 2020–21 | Golden State Warriors | $249,864 |
| 2021–22 | Golden State Warriors | $1,939,350 |
| 2022–23 | Portland/Golden State | $8,300,000 |
| 2023–24 | Golden State Warriors | $8,715,000 |
| 2024–25 | Golden State Warriors | $9,130,000 |
| Total | $30,189,090 |
Endorsements
Gary Payton II’s endorsement portfolio, while as extensive as some NBA superstars, reflects his gritty playing style and underdog story. He has partnered with Nike for his on-court footwear, often sporting player-exclusive colorways of their basketball shoes. In 2023, Payton II became an investor and brand ambassador for SUPLMNT, a black-owned premium water brand, aligning with his commitment to health and wellness.
He’s also collaborated with Lids, the hat retailer, on custom designs celebrating his NBA championship with the Warriors. While specific financial details of these deals aren’t public, they likely contribute a modest but growing portion to his overall income. Payton II’s marketability stems from his defensive tenacity and his role in Golden State’s recent success, appealing to brands looking for authentic, hard-working athlete representatives.
NBA Career Stats
| Season | Team | GP | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016–17 | Milwaukee Bucks | 6 | 3.3 | 2.0 | 2.2 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 36.4% | 0.0% |
| 2017–18 | Bucks/Lakers | 23 | 3.0 | 1.9 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 40.5% | 23.5% |
| 2018–19 | Washington Wizards | 29 | 3.9 | 2.8 | 1.7 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 41.4% | 29.6% |
| 2019–20 | Washington Wizards | 29 | 3.9 | 2.8 | 1.7 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 41.4% | 29.6% |
| 2020–21 | Golden State | 10 | 2.5 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 43.2% | 27.3% |
| 2021–22 | Golden State | 71 | 7.1 | 3.5 | 0.9 | 1.4 | 0.3 | 61.6% | 35.8% |
| 2022–23 | Portland/GSW | 22 | 4.6 | 3.1 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 0.2 | 59.4% | 31.9% |
| 2023–24 | Golden State | 44 | 5.5 | 2.6 | 1.1 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 56.3% | 33.7% |
| 2024–25* | Golden State | 56 | 6.5 | 2.9 | 1.3 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 57.8% | 34.1% |
FAQs
1. What is Gary Payton II’s net worth?
Gary Payton II’s net worth is estimated at $30.24 million. This wealth stems primarily from his NBA contracts, including a three-year, $26.15 million deal signed in 2022. Additional income comes from endorsements with brands like Nike and SUPLMNT, a premium water company he co-owns. His career earnings, spanning eight NBA seasons, reflect his journey from undrafted prospect to a key role player for the Golden State Warriors.
2. How did Gary Payton II start his NBA career?
Gary Payton II entered the NBA undrafted in 2016. He signed with the Houston Rockets’ Summer League team but was waived before the season. After stints with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (G League), he earned short-term contracts with the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Washington Wizards. His relentless defense and hustle eventually landed him a role with the Golden State Warriors in 2021, where he became an NBA champion in 2022.
3. What college did Gary Payton II attend?
Payton II attended Salt Lake Community College (2012–2014) before transferring to Oregon State University (2014–2016). At Oregon State, he became a two-time Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and set program records for steals. His college success laid the foundation for his NBA career, though he went undrafted in 2016 due to concerns about his shooting consistency.
4. Who is Gary Payton II’s father?
Gary Payton II is the son of NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton Sr., nicknamed “The Glove” for his elite defense. The elder Payton won a championship with the Miami Heat in 2006 and was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2013. The pair became the fifth father-son duo to win NBA titles when Payton II won with the Warriors in 2022.
5. What teams has Gary Payton II played for in the NBA?
Payton II has played for the Milwaukee Bucks (2016–2018), Los Angeles Lakers (2018), Washington Wizards (2018–2020), Golden State Warriors (2021–2022, 2023–present), and Portland Trail Blazers (2022–2023). His most impactful tenure has been with the Warriors, where he won a championship and became a defensive anchor off the bench.
6. What is Gary Payton II’s current contract with the Warriors?
In 2022, Payton II signed a three-year, $26.15 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers, which included a player option for 2024–25. After being traded back to Golden State in 2023, he exercised the option, earning $9.13 million for the 2024–25 season. The deal emphasizes his value as a veteran defender and locker-room leader.
7. Does Gary Payton II have any children?
Yes. Payton II has four children: three with his wife, Monique James (Gary II, Julian, and Raquel), and another son, Gary Payton Jr., from a previous relationship. Gary II briefly played in the NBA, while the other children remain out of the public eye. The family splits time between Oakland and Las Vegas.
8. What are Gary Payton II’s career NBA stats?
Payton II averages 5.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game over 264 career games. His best season came in 2021–22, with 7.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game on 61.6% shooting. Known for defensive efficiency, he holds a career field goal percentage of 55.8% and a steals-per-game average higher than his father’s.
9. What endorsements does Gary Payton II have?
Payton II endorses Nike for footwear and has partnered with Lids for custom hat designs. In 2023, he invested in SUPLMNT, a black-owned hydration brand. While his endorsement portfolio is smaller than All-Stars’, his marketability stems from his underdog story and defensive reputation.
10. How did Gary Payton II contribute to the Warriors’ 2022 championship?
Payton II was pivotal in the 2022 playoffs, averaging 6.5 points and 1.2 steals in 17 minutes per game. His defensive versatility allowed Golden State to switch schemes seamlessly, and his 15-point performance in Game 5 of the Finals shifted momentum against Boston. Despite fracturing his elbow earlier in the playoffs, he returned to help secure the title, cementing his legacy as a clutch role player.
