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Controversial Golden State Warriors trade to be in the spotlight during Kings series

By Peter O'Keefe

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 07: Gary Payton II #8 of the Golden State Warriors blocks the shot of Terence Davis #3 of the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center on April 07, 2023 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 07: Gary Payton II #8 of the Golden State Warriors blocks the shot of Terence Davis #3 of the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center on April 07, 2023 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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When the Golden State Warriors dealt James Wiseman for Gary Payton II at February’s trade deadline, they did so in the thought that it would add one more impactful player to Steve Kerr’s rotation.

It was a controversial move at the time, and we’re about to learn a whole lot more about its worth. Is Payton exactly the same player he was this time a year ago after a season battling injury? We’re about to find that out too.

The mid-season trade to bring back Gary Payton II is about to be in the spotlight given the Golden State Warriors opponent in the first-round of the playoffs.

De’Aaron Fox has been one of the most improved players in the league this season and shapes as one of the pivotal pieces to the result of the Kings-Warriors series. The explosive sixth-year guard averaged 25 points and 6.1 assists during the regular season, shooting 51.2% from the field on his way to being named an NBA All-Star for the first time in his career.

As the engineer of the Sacramento offense along with pick-and-roll partner Domantas Sabonis, limiting Fox will be one of Golden State’s primary objectives. While it will take a team effort, Payton is their best individual option in hoping to achieve that.

Gary Payton II is the Golden State Warriors best option against the league’s most athletic guards. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Gary Payton II is the Golden State Warriors best option against the league’s most athletic guards. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /

Payton’s importance is magnified further by the fact another matchup for Fox, Andrew Wiggins, will be returning from a significant 25-game absence. Asking the Canadian to guard Fox will be challenging in itself, let alone having him do it for extended periods.

Particular matchups could see Payton as the ninth-man in a rotation playing 10-15 minutes per game. Against the Kings, don’t be surprised if he’s one of the first off the bench and being used for closer to 20-25 minutes.

Fox is one of the quickest players in the league, capable of destroying teams in transition or blowing by opponents in the half-court. Golden State are fortunate they have Payton at their disposal, but it’ll be a major test of his own physical capacity given he missed 60 regular season games.

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If the Warriors do get past the Kings, then Payton could be just as important in a potential rematch with Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies. For now though, his mindset will be focused on Fox and Sacramento in what’s bound to be a pivotal matchup in a competitive series.

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