Gary Payton II injury: Which injury has 4-team deal in jeopardy with Gary Payton II injured? Teams involved and concerns around injury explained
With Gary Payton II's injury, the deal for the Golden State Warriors could be reconsidered. Days after the trade became official, it looked like a failed medical could cause the trade to be re-evaluated.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the four-team deal involving Payton could be put in jeopardy. This was after medical results came in and a core muscle injury could sideline him for up to three months. That is, if the trade pushes through.
Just in: A failed physical exam of Gary Payton II has placed the Golden State-Portland-Detroit-Atlanta four-team deal in serious jeopardy, sources tell me and @anthonyVslater. Payton's core muscle injury could sideline him for up to three months following a Warriors exam.
The Warriors gave up on James Wiseman, sending him to the Detroit Pistons and receiving three conditional future 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 reunited with Gary Payton II. The Pistons stayed consistent, picking up another No. 2 overall pick.
The Blazers picked up a bevy of picks. And the Hawks? They are on the clock to evaluate Saddiq Bey.
@talkhoops grades the 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's 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 wasn't able to re-sign with the Warriors during the offseason due to a lack of cap space. However, with a few roster tweaks, it looks like he'll be able to play under Steve Kerr's coaching this season. With his addition, there could be a chance for the Warriors to improve their defense.
Last season, he was one of the best on-ball defenders for the team. Despite standing at only 6-foot-3, Payton II usually had the assignment to guard the opposing team's best player. His defense and ability to play above the rim were important to the success that Golden State had in their previous campaign.
If the trade pushes through, the Warriors won't be able to utilize him that well. Based on reports from several sources, Payton could miss out on three months due to his injury.
Also read: Gary Payton opens up on his relationship with Gary Payton II: “Don't think about being Gary Payton because there's only one Gary Payton”