Gary Payton II Opens Up on Failed Physical With the Warriors

• Gary Payton II has broken his silence on the failed physical after his trade to the Golden State Warriors
• Payton admitted he took Toradol to alleviate pain caused by core muscle surgery he had in the offseason
• He is set to be reevaluated sometime next month and could return to action by the time of the NBA playoffs

Gary Payton II has spoken for the first time about his controversial trade for the Portland Trail Blazers to the Golden State Warriors on the February 9 deadline.

The 30-year-old failed his physical after the Warriors discovered a core muscle issue. He also needed Toradol to play through lingering pain from off-season surgery.

A complex four-team trade that brought him to his former side was put at risk by the failed physical, but the Warriors decided to complete the deal. However, they lodged a complaint to the NBA against the Blazers.

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The guard underwent abdominal surgery in September last year and was expected to be ready by the start of the current season. That wasn't the case though, as he missed the Blazers' first 35 games.

He made his debut for Portland on 3rd January, per Oregon Live.

Payton on failed physical

Payton wasn't surprised when the team flagged his physical. He said he took Toradol because he wanted to play.

"Me just being a competitor, I wanted to get out there. No shots, though. I just had to get through it and get it done. The medical stuff wasn't that big of a deal."

Payton said his intention was simply to go out and help his teammates and coaches.

"I was a bigger factor on the court than off the court. Me being 50 percent was better than nothing. I just had to get out there and help my team try to win. No shots, it's just being a competitor. I got to get out there and do what I got to do," he added via NBC Sports.

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The son of Hall of Fame guard, Gary Payton, the 2022 NBA champion is currently focusing on individual rehab including conditioning and strengthening.

Over the 15 games Payton played with the Blazers, he featured in 17 minutes per game, averaging 4.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.1 steals.

Payton set for re-evaluation

Sports Brief earlier reported that the Warriors will re-evaluate Payton in mid-March as he ramps up his rehabilitation.

The guard was expected to be out for two to three months, but the Warriors hope they can prepare him for the playoffs.

The defending champions had not brought in a defender since Payton left and he was usually assigned to the best guard or wing.