The first half of 2022 was truly magical for Gary Payton II. He was a key contributor as the Golden State Warriors won the NBA championship and he parlayed that into a 3-year, $28 million deal in free agency with the Portland Trail Blazers.
The second half of the year though was anything but magical. Payton had to undergo offseason surgery and while there was hope that he’d be able to return for their opening game, he wasn’t able to play at all for the rest of the year. He finally returned in January, but he just wasn’t the same and was traded back to the Warriors. That, however, was when controversy erupted.
Payton’s medical with the Warriors ended up revealing that he had an injury that would keep him out of action for 2-3 months. The trade was now in jeopardy and the Trail Blazers were heavily criticized for forcing him to play through injury by giving Toradol shots. Their GM denied the allegations and now Payton’s agent has come out and said the Blazers weren’t giving him those shots.
Aaron Goodwin — the agent of Gary Payton II — tells @NBAonTNT/@BleacherReport that “despite of what’s being reported, my client never took Toradol shots to be available for games during his time in Portland.”
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 12, 2023
Aaron Goodwin — the agent of Gary Payton II — tells @NBAonTNT/@BleacherReport that “despite of what’s being reported, my client never took Toradol shots to be available for games during his time in Portland.”
This whole situation just keeps getting stranger by the minute. Someone clearly isn’t speaking the truth here but what is known for sure at this point, is that he will miss a few months, regardless of whether this trade goes down or not.
The Warriors Have Until Sunday Night To Make Their Decision Regarding The Trade
You wouldn’t really blame the Warriors for canceling this trade after finding out this new information following the physical. There was a lot of excitement among the fanbase and the organization when they managed to bring Payton back, but if he is set to be out long-term, it is a real concern. Another thing to consider here is the Warriors cannot get additional picks from the Trail Blazers as compensation, as the NBA trade deadline has passed. So, either they go ahead with the move or cancel it altogether.
It might get a bit awkward to have James Wiseman back in the building though, which might deter them from canceling it. Also, they would have Payton under contract for two more years and he could return in time for the playoffs, so there are reasons for them to not cancel it. We’ll find out soon enough what their decision is, as they have until 9:30 PM ET on Sunday to cancel this trade.
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