Gary Payton II Says He Was 'Blindsided' By Trade from Blazers to Warriors

Gary Payton II is back with the Golden State Warriors after the team acquired him at the trade deadline from the Portland Trail Blazers, but the move caught him by surprise.

Payton told reporters Wednesday that he was "blindsided" by the deal that sent him back to the team with which he won the 2022 NBA championship.

Unfortunately for Payton and the Warriors, his physical was flagged by the team's medical staff as he's been dealing with "lingering pain" from core muscle surgery conducted last summer. The trade was delayed for three days before Golden State ultimately decided to accept the deal. The NBA is investigating a complaint by the Warriors that the Blazers failed to disclose pertinent medical information during trade negotiations.

Payton is expected to be sidelined until at least mid-March with an abdominal injury, but the hope is that he'll be ready in time for the postseason.

"Just trying to get my body back, ready, so I can get back on the court, help my team and help get them back where they're supposed to be," Payton said. "... I know my body. I know when I'm ready to go out there, ready to be myself. It took longer than usual, and my body wasn't ready. Still isn't ready. We're going to take it day by day."

Payton missed the first 35 games of the season but has made 15 appearances since then, averaging 4.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 17.0 minutes per game.

Golden State (29-29) will come out the All-Star break on Thursday with a matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers (27-32).