Steve Kerr explains why Golden State Warriors traded for Gary Payton II
Gary Payton II will find himself back on the Golden State Warriors roster after a rather controversial series of events at the trade deadline. With the guard back on the team, Warriors coach Steve Kerr explained why the team traded for Payton.
The Golden State Warriors added a vital piece of their championship roster back on the team by trading for Gary Payton before the trade deadline. Given the value he provided with his defensive work last season, the Warriors are certainly a better team with him on the floor. However, the process of acquiring Payton has been anything but simple.
A trade with the Portland Trail Blazers for the guard saw two more teams involved. Several assets, including players and draft capital, had to be moved to facilitate the trade.
However, problems arose, as GP2 failed his physical with the Warriors. Further examination showed that the guard had been playing through injury and was likely to be sidelined for a significant amount of time.
The controversial matter gave the Warriors organization enough reason to lodge a complaint against the Trail Blazers. However, the team still chose to finalize the trade.
Although Payton will be sidelined for some time, coach Kerr appeared to have a positive outlook towards the entire situation. Kerr addressed the reason the Warriors traded for Payton:
"One of the keys for us with the deal is that Gary is an easy fit. We just watched him win the championship. He knows our guys. He plays extremely well with Steph and Draymond. He's unique to fit, but he fit perfectly with us."
The coach continued:
"Sometimes it's tough at the deadline. Sometimes you get a guy, he doesn't know your personnel, vice versa, terminology and all of that. There's none of that. Obviously, Gary fills a position for me, for us, just with the on-ball defense and what he did for us in the playoffs last year. So it's exciting to have him, and we're hoping for the best on the health front."
Steve Kerr on GP2:
“Gary is an easy fit. We just watched him win the championship. He knows our guys. He plays extremely well with Steph and Draymond.” https://t.co/sLrAnPxxvX
Reports suggest that the guard could be sidelined for up to three months. However, the Warriors would surely benefit from having him on the roster. Given that he's also returning to the team with two years left on his contract, the Dubs will look forward to seeing him healthy next season.
Gary Payton II's arrival was shrouded in controversy
The Golden State Warriors had to endure a significant amount of controversy in the process of acquiring Gary Payton II. The Athletic's Shams Charania reported about the guard's failed physical at the Warriors' facility and the news of his injury situation.
It was mentioned that the Portland Trail Blazers intentionally withheld information regarding GP2's injury. Additionally, it was also mentioned that the Trail Blazers training staff were forcing Gary Payton to play through injury by giving him Toradol shots.
While that seemed troublesome enough, further revelations showed that The Athletic had made some errors in their reports. Gary Payton's agent came out denying the guard's use of Toradol. Meanwhile, Blazers GM Joe Cronin also claimed that the organization was unaware of the guard's injury till the report was made public.
Although the Dubs eventually finalized the deal, the entire situation was shrouded in controversy. With the likelihood of the Warriors lodging a complaint in the offseason, Portland could face some serious consequences.