NBA Notes: Warriors, Gary Payton II, Blazers, Jeremy Sochan, Pistons

Warriors

The Warriors are keeping another familiar face.

Golden State officially re-signed veteran guard Gary Payton II to a one-year contract reportedly worth $3.9 million, continuing a partnership that has lasted for much of the past six seasons.

Payton, 33, appeared in 73 games last season, averaging 7.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists while once again serving as one of coach Steve Kerr’s most trusted perimeter defenders.

The Warriors are believed to remain in the market for additional frontcourt help, with free-agent big men Kelly Olynyk and Georges Niang among the names reportedly on their radar.

Trail Blazers

Former lottery pick Jeremy Sochan has found a new opportunity.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Sochan has agreed to a one-year contract with Portland after splitting last season between the Spurs and champion Knicks.

The ninth overall pick in the 2022 draft averaged 9.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists over four NBA seasons, though his role diminished considerably last year.

The 23-year-old now gets a chance to compete for rotation minutes on a rebuilding Blazers team that is relatively thin at forward behind Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara.

Pistons

Despite an Eastern Conference reshaped by blockbuster moves, Detroit is still expected to be firmly in the mix.

According to Hunter Patterson of The Athletic, the Pistons remain a top-four team in the conference behind the Knicks, 76ers and Heat, assuming restricted free agent Jalen Duren returns.

Patterson added that Detroit’s ceiling may ultimately depend on the continued development of Ausar Thompson, whose defensive impact is already well established. If Thompson takes another step offensively while maintaining that defensive intensity, the Pistons could again be among the East’s elite.