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SAN FRANCISCO — Gary Payton II is returning to his Pacific Northwest roots, agreeing to a $28 million, three-year contract with the Portland Trail Blazers.A person with direct knowledge of the deal confirmed that Payton would depart the NBA champion Golden State Warriors to join a backcourt alongside Damian Lillard and lottery pick Shaedon Sharpe, selected with the seventh overall pick in last Thursday's draft.When the season ended, longtime journeyman Payton acknowledged he couldn't wait to finally get his opportunity in free agency. A G Leaguer for so long, Golden State cut Payton before the season began then he was re-signed.
