Despite the blockbuster four-team trade that was headlined by Gary Payton II becoming official over a month ago, the newly acquired guard has yet to suit up for the Golden State Warriors this season. Following a failed physical with the Warriors, Payton II has been out since early Feb. due to a lingering right adductor injury.
After delaying his reunion with his former Golden State teammates on the court, Payton II recently returned to practice with the Warriors on Saturday. According to Chris Haynes of NBA on TNT and Bleacher Report, Payton II is expected to make his debut with the Warriors on Sunday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Via @ChrisBHaynes on Twitter:
Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II will make his season debut for the defending champs Sunday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) March 26, 2023
Prior to the trade, Payton II played 15 games with the Portland Trail Blazers, averaging 4.1 points on 58.5% shooting from the floor with 2.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.1 steals in 17 minutes per game.
Payton II will re-join Golden State’s backcourt rotation alongside Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Jordan Poole, Donte DiVincenzo and Moses Moody.
The Warriors are slated to host the Minnesota Timberwolves in a game that will have playoff implications in the Western Conference on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. PT.
This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
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