At the NBA trade deadline, the Golden State Warriors pulled off an unexpected and thrilling maneuver by striking a deal with the Portland Trail Blazers to acquire guard Gary Payton II.
In order to make the reunion possible, the Warriors are sending Kevin Knox II and five second-round picks to Portland. In other words, they are sending everything they received in exchange for trading James Wiseman to the Detroit Pistons earlier in the day.
Due to significant tax penalties, the Warriors were unable to match Payton’s deal after his breakout season with the Warriors the previous year.
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However, by terminating Wiseman’s contract, the team was able to reunite with one of their most crucial players from last year’s championship run. Wiseman made a bit more than Payton this year and a lot more next year.
GPII has only played in 15 games for Portland this season due to a string of injuries. He appears to be healthy now, though and was crucial to the Blazers’ victory over Golden State on Wednesday.
The addition of Payton, one of the best on-ball perimeter defenders in the NBA, will go a long way toward helping the Warriors repeat their defensive performance from last season.
The addition of Payton, one of the best on-ball perimeter defenders in the NBA, will go a long way toward helping the Warriors repeat their defensive performance from last season.
Payton was adored by the Warriors’ players and coaching staff alike in the locker room. He knows the scheme and gets along exceptionally well with the team. He will undoubtedly be thrilled to return to the Warriors, and I believe everyone will be thrilled to have him.
Who did the Warriors trade for?
As previously mentioned, they have traded for Gary Payton II from the Portland Blazers in exchange for five second-round picks.