Gary Payton II is set to play for Golden State Warriors against the Minnesota Timberwolves this Sunday, per Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes. This will serve as Payton II’s debut for the Dubs this season.
Given the news, this may only hint that Payton II had a great practice with the Warriors this Saturday. Head coach Steve Kerr already noted that the team workout this weekend will determine his status for Sunday.
Payton II, 30, remained unavailable for the Dubs since the February acquisition made by the team for him in a multi-team trade as he recovered from his right adductor injury. Payton failed the physical test with the Warriors upon the transaction, but the club proceeded to still gain his rights.
Emerged as an important element of Golden State’s title run last year, Payton was able to snag a three-year, $26-million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers last offseason. He went on to play for the Blazers in just 15 games after being out on the initial part of 2022-23 due to a core muscle injury.
Payton II is averaging 4.1 points and 2.6 boards in 58.5 percent shooting this season.
