EL SEGUNDO, CA - DECEMBER 13: Gary Payton II #6 of the South Bay Lakers celebrates during the game against the Northern Arizona Suns on December 13, 2019 at UCLA Heath Training Center in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)Adam Pantozzi/Getty Images

Gary Payton II, Wizards Reportedly Nearing Contract Agreement

Joseph ZuckerDec 21, 2019

The Washington Wizards are "close to a contract" with point guard Gary Payton II, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

Payton made three appearances for the Wizards in 2018-19. The 27-year-old has spent the 2019-20 season in the NBA G League with the South Bay Lakers.

Washington is dealing with a number of injuries. John Wall continues to nurse his ruptured Achilles, while Rui Hachimura, Moe Wagner, Thomas Bryant, Jordan McRae and CJ Miles are out of action as well.

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As a result, league rules allow Washington to add Payton without making a corresponding move.

Payton has averaged 21.4 points, 9.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game in the G League this year. He has been hot of late, earning the league's Player of the Week award Monday.

Given their injury problems, the Wizards simply needed to add somebody to help them cope until they get some of their players back.

Payton should provide backcourt depth, whether as the third point guard behind Isaiah Thomas and Ish Smith or a backup 2-guard behind Bradley Beal.

This is also an opportunity for Payton to play himself into a more regular NBA role, be it with the Wizards or another team down the road.