In the waning minutes of the NBA trade deadline, the Detroit Pistons traded forwards Saddiq Bey and Kevin Knox to the Golden State Warriors, getting James Wiseman in return.
Or did they?
According to a report from Shams Charania of The Athletic (SUBSCRIPTION) that deal could be in jeopardy, as a key part of it, Gary Payton III, failed his physical with Golden State.
The trade had been expanded to eventually include four teams, with Saddiq Bey going to Atlanta, Kevin Knox and picks going to Portland and Gary Payton III rejoining his old team in Golden State.
But Payton III apparently has a muscle injury that could have him sidelined for three months, which would negate his value as a “win now” addition for the Warriors.
The question is whether the Warriors are still going to go through with it, and if not, what happens with Saddiq Bey and the Detroit Pistons?
Detroit Pistons: The Saddiq Bey trade hangs in the balance
The Golden State Warriors hold all of the cards here, as they can now cancel the trade, which would undo the entire four-team deal. They have until 9:30m PM ET on Sunday to do so:
The trade caused a lot of consternation among Pistons fans, many of whom thought Detroit should not have given up on Bey in exchange for a guy who has barely played or been part of an NBA rotation.
They may get their wish, as Bey could be coming back to Detroit if Golden State decides not to take a risk on Payton II, who was brought on to help them defend their title.
But the deal also saved Golden State a ton of money, so they might be willing to go through with it even if Payton is sidelined.
As for the Detroit Pistons, this would be an awkward reunion if it happened, as the team leaked information about how they weren’t happy with the development of Bey’s game, nor his inability (or unwillingness) to be more of a catch-and-shoot forward.
If this deal doesn’t happen, would Bey be happy coming back to the team that just dumped him? He may have no choice, as the trade deadline has passed. Stay tuned, because this could get very messy.