This could get awkward.
According to Shams Charania and Anthony Slater of The Athletic, Gary Payton II has failed his physical with the Warriors, following Thursday’s four-team trade involving the Blazers, Pistons and Hawks that brought him back to Golden State. Payton’s core muscle injury has not healed and could keep him out for three more months. The development means that the deal going through is now in “serious jeopardy”, according to The Athletic.
Golden State has until Saturday to make a decision on the deal, which also involved James Wiseman being sent to Detroit. Negotiations have apparently been going on behind the scenes to see if the deal can be amended. The trade being completely voided is on the table. It stands to reason that the Warriors will want additional compensation in light of this new information.
Payton missed the first 35 games of the season with the injury, but returned to the floor recently. Apparently Payton did so without fully recovering, requiring Toradol shots in order to play. This was reportedly not conveyed to the Warriors during negotiations according to The Athletic.
Originally, the Warriors acquired Saddiq Bey and Kevin Knox from the Pistons as part of the deal, before he was moved to the Hawks for five second-round picks. Those picks were then sent to Portland for Payton II.
As strange as it would be for everyone to see Wiseman come back to The Bay after being dealt, it appears that is very much a possibility.
