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Top 5 NBA players who failed medicals, leading to canceled trades in history as Gary Payton II's move to Golden State Warriors hits a roadblock

The Golden State Warriors re-acquired Gary Payton II at the NBA trade deadline on a four-team deal. However, the trade appears to be in jeopardy due to Payton's failed medical. If it gets canceled, it won't be the first time that an injury has prevented a trade from happening.

Several reports confirmed that the Warriors medical staff found a core muscle injury to Payton that could keep him out for at least three months. Payton has already missed the first three months of the season while recovering from surgery on his core muscle.

All teams involved have until Saturday to rescind or complete the four-team trade. In the blockbuster deal, the Detroit Pistons received James Wiseman, the Atlanta Hawks got Saddiq Bey, and the Portland Trail Blazers acquired Kevin Knox and five second-round picks.

While injuries are common in the NBA, it's pretty rare to see a trade get canceled because of a failed medical. There are instances where it happened, and here are the top five players who failed a medical that got a trade rescinded, not inlcuding the trade involving Gary Payton II.

Tyson Chandler to OKC Thunder (2009)

Tyson Chandler was traded by the New Orleans Hornets to the OKC Thunder for Joe Smith, Chris Wilcox and draft rights to DeVon Hardin at the 2009 trade deadline. However, the trade was rescinded when Thunder doctors found a left toe injury on Chandler.

Mateen Cleaves to Cleveland Cavaliers (2002)

The Cleveland Cavaliers acquired Mateen Cleaves from the Sacramento Kings in the early part of the 2001-02 season. However, the Cavaliers rescinded the trade after Cleaves was diagnosed with a foot injury that needed surgery.

Donatas Motiejunas to Detroit Pistons (2016)

The Detroit Pistons were set to acquire Donatas Motiejunas from the Houston Rockets in a three-team trade in 2016. However, Motiejunas failed a medical and the deal was scrapped. He also failed another medical in restricted free agency that prevented him from getting a big contract.

Shareef Abdur-Rahim to New Jersey Nets (2005)

Shareef Abdur-Rahim was plagued by knee injuries for the later half of his career. That was the reason why his trade from the Portland Trail Blazers to the New Jersey NEts in 2005 was nixed.

Alvin Williams to Boston Celtics (2000)

The Boston Celtics traded Danny Fortson to the Toronto Raptors for Alvin Williams and Sean Marks in 2000. However, Williams failed his physical due to a foot injury that required surgery, so the Celtics rescinded the trade.

Also Read: Who is Derrick White's wife Hannah Schneider and when did they get married?


Warriors still want to keep Gary Payton II despite the injury

Gary Payton II with the Golden State Warriors
Gary Payton II with the Golden State Warriors

Despite the failed medical, the Golden State Warriors are reportedly still interested in keeping Gary Payton II. Monte Poole of NBC Sports noted that the Warriors might be willing to waive the failed medical to retain the rights to Payton. That means the trade will be completed by Saturday.

Payton was an integral part of the Warriors' championship run last season. He left in free agency, signing a three-year, $28 million deal with the Portland Trail Blazers. However, he only managed to play 15 games in Portland after undergoing offseason core muscle surgery.

Also Read: Golden State Warriors depth chart: How does the team line up their starting 5 after getting Gary Payton II and letting go of James Wiseman

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