While other NBA Trade Deadline deals involved bigger names being moved, Gary Payton II going from the Portland Trail Blazers back to the Golden State Warriors in a four-team deal might be the most discussed deadline deal. Shortly after it was made, Payton failed his physical with the Warriors and it was quickly reported that he was playing hurt, something Golden State might not have known.
While the Warriors could have voided the deal, they didn’t. They did, however, file a complaint against the Blazers. And on Tuesday, ESPN’s NBA Front Office Insider, Bobby Marks, offered a guess as to what kind of discipline Portland might face.
“You’ll probably see some type of fine [for Portland],” Marks said on Damon and Ratto, a show 95.7 The Game, the station which broadcasts Warriors games. “Maybe Golden State is awarded a 2nd-round pick or two.”
"You'll probably see some type of fine [for Portland]. Maybe Golden State is awarded a 2nd-round pick or two."
– @BobbyMarks42's prediction on how the NBA may punish the Blazers for the GPII injury situation (via @DamonAndRatto).
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) February 15, 2023
Realistically, there’s not much more than can be done. This is especially true knowing that the Warriors could have voided the deal and decided to go through with it anyway. It’s possible that Payton won’t be available for Golden State this season. But he’s under contract through the 2023-24 season with a player option for 2024-25. So, he’s not exactly a rental.
The trade didn’t put the Blazers in a great light. But all things considered, the punishment suggested by Marks probably is the best option.
[95.7 The Game on Twitter]
