Gary Payton II `blindsided' by trade

Gary Payton II is back where he wanted to be all along.

It all happened so fast, though. Payton was “blindsided” when he learned about 10 minutes before the Feb. 9 trade deadline that he would be returning to the Warriors. He was excited, of course, since the Bay Area is where his family and heart are. But he also knew something that Golden State reportedly was not aware of when it made the deal that also sent former No. 2 pick James Wiseman to the Detroit Pistons.

Speaking with reporters Wednesday for the first time since the trade, Payton said he wasn't surprised the Warriors' medical staff flagged his physical, which left the deal in limbo for three days. Payton said he has been dealing with “lingering pain” stemming from a surgery he had this summer to repair a core muscle.

The abdominal injury will keep him out until at least mid-March, but possibly longer. The hope, he and the team have said, is that he'll be back before the playoffs.

“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.”

Golden State had targeted Payton for a trade, hoping that his familiarity with its system as well as his defensive skill set would provide a much-needed jolt.

But the Warriors had to put a four-team trade on hold after a routine physical earlier this month revealed Payton, 30, could miss significant time due to a core muscle injury. The Warriors filed a complaint with the league office, alleging the Trail Blazers failed to disclose pertinent medical information.