Gary Payton II Affirmed That He Will Take Back Jersey No. 0
Gather your vintage Gary Payton II shirts, Dub Nation. After Donte DiVincenzo committed to the New York Knicks in free agency, the Warriors fan favorite, and NBA champion revealed to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Dalton Johnson on Sunday that he will return his former jersey No. 0.
After Donte DiVincenzo committed to the New York Knicks in free agency, the Warriors fan favorite, and NBA champion revealed to NBC Sports Bay Area's Dalton Johnson on Sunday that he will return his former jersey No. 0.
Gather your vintage Gary Payton II shirts, Dub Nation. After Donte DiVincenzo, committed to the New York Knicks in free agency, the Warriors fan favorite, and NBA champion revealed to NBC Sports Bay Area‘s Dalton Johnson on Sunday that he will return his former jersey No. 0.
Last summer, the Warriors prioritized Kevon Looney over Gary Payton II to reduce their enormous luxury tax cost. After acting as the defensive engine for Golden State‘s bench during the 2021–22 NBA season and the team’s title run, he finally agreed to a three-year, $26.1 million deal with the Portland Trail Blazers in free agency.
DiVincenzo acquired No. 0 also last summer after signing a two-year agreement with the Warriors that included a player option for 2023–2024; however, he declined the opportunity last month to become a free agent. When Payton returned to the Bay at the NBA trade deadline in February, he donned No. 8. The 26-year-old did Payton’s number last season, providing another dependable force off the bench for Warriors coach Steve Kerr.
In 2023–24, when Golden State debuts its new-look lineup with seasoned players like Chris Paul, Dario Šarić, and Cory Joseph, Payton will return to donning No. 0 for the season.
And ideally, Gary Payton’s regained jersey can bring back some of the Warriors’ championship glory.
