The ‘defending champion’ Golden State Warriors are going through a deadlocked trade.
According to reporter Shams Charania of 『The Athletic』, Golden State is going to trade Gary Payton II (guard, 191cm, 88kg).
Golden State first started trading with the Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks ahead of the trade deadline. Instead of sending James Wiseman to Detroit, he had Kevin Knox from Detroit and five second-round picks from Atlanta.
Golden State then traded with the Portland Trail Blazers. Instead of sending the Knox and second-round pick package to Portland, he decided to take Peyton. However, during a physical examination after the trade, an abnormality was discovered in Peyton, and Golden State was furious. Because Portland didn’t provide the right information. The trade never went through.
However, Golden State finally decided to pursue a trade. It was not possible to achieve the original purpose of reducing expenses and strengthening the backcourt at the same time, but it was because they did not want to reduce expenses right away and retain unnecessary power. With Wiseman, it was almost certain that spending for the upcoming 2023-2024 season, let alone this season, would increase significantly. Therefore, it was expected that the trade would proceed.
According to Golden State medical staff, Peyton won’t be playing well this season. He may be able to play in the playoffs, but that’s hard to say. This strongly questioned Portland, who had negotiated with them. Due to this, it is expected that Portland will not be able to avoid the disciplinary action of the NBA Secretariat. However, even if he was disciplined, the deadline had already passed, so Golden State’s plan was significantly different.
Reporter Anthony Slater of 온라인바카라 also announced that Golden State would finalize the trade on the 14th (Korean time). Although Peyton has to be absent for more than three months, he can return after the middle of the playoffs, but it is painful that the part that was aimed at strengthening the first-line defense immediately after the trade was not filled. Additionally, Stephen Curry is currently out with an injury.