Gary Payton II has been named the 2020-21 NBA G League Defensive Player of the Year.

Payton II (6-3, 195, Oregon State) led the NBA G League in steals per game (2.54) and finished second in total steals (33) to go with 10.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 13 games. He recorded nine games with two or more steals. 

On Feb. 13, Payton II matched his regular-season career high with seven steals and grabbed a season-high 11 defensive rebounds against NBA G League Ignite. He also had seven steals and added 10 points, six rebounds and six assists against the Greensboro Swarm on Feb. 26.  

Chad Sanders of Raptors 905 will be named the G League Executive of the Year.

Sanders was promoted to general manager of Raptors 905 in 2018.

The Toronto Raptors will sign Henry Ellenson to a 10-day contract.

Ellenson is averaging 21.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 30.6 minutes per game this season with Raptors 905.

Ellenson last played in the NBA in 19-20 with the Brooklyn Nets.

Alize Johnson of Raptors 905 is one of the most sought after free agents in the G League. Johnson is a versatile defender and is averaging 16.6 points and 4.2 assists on offense.

Sources tell The Ringer that the Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns have expressed interest in Johnson.

Johnson was the 50th overall pick in 2018 by the Indiana Pacers.