With the injury to Gary Payton II, the deal for the Golden State Warriors could be reconsidered. Days after the trade became official, it appeared that a botched medical could lead to the trade being re-evaluated.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the four-team deal involving Payton could be in jeopardy. This was after the medical results came in and a core muscle injury could sideline him for up to three months. That is, if the trade progresses.
Right on: A botched physical of Gary Payton II has put the four-team Golden State-Portland-Detroit-Atlanta deal in serious jeopardy, sources tell me and @anthonyvslater. Payton’s core muscle injury could sideline him for up to three months after an exam by the Warriors.
The Warriors gave up on James Wiseman, sending him to the Detroit Pistons and receiving three future conditional second-round picks from the Atlanta Hawks. Atlanta will acquire Saddiq Bey from the Pistons, while the Portland Trail Blazers will get Kevin Knox and five future second-round picks.
The Warriors met with Gary Payton II. The Pistons stayed consistent, taking another second overall pick. The Blazers took a slew of picks. And the Falcons? They’re on the clock to assess Saddiq Bey.@talkhoops rate trade: theathletic.com/4173388/2023/0… https://t.co/MLMdcxLovE
Due to injury, Payton’s debut with the Blazers came late in the season. He has only suited up 15 times for Portland this season and made his debut after the New Year.
With Gary Payton II’s injury, he probably won’t be effective for the Warriors this season.
Gary Payton II was unable to re-sign with the Warriors during the offseason due to a lack of salary cap space. However, with some roster tweaks, it looks like he’ll be able to play under Steve Kerr’s coaching this season. With the addition of him, the Warriors could have a chance to improve their defense.
Last season, he was one of the best ball defenders on the team. Despite standing just 6 feet 3 inches, Payton II was usually tasked with guarding the best player on the opposing team. His defense and his ability to play above the rim were important to Golden State’s success last season.
If the trade goes through, the Warriors won’t be able to use him as well. According to reports from various sources, Payton could miss three months due to his injury.
Also read: Gary Payton opens up about his relationship with Gary Payton II: “Don’t think about being Gary Payton because there is only one Gary Payton”
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