It has taken over a month and a half, but Gary Payton II is set to finally make his season debut for the Golden State Warriors.
Payton II had been acquired via trade on the 9th of February, but his physical revealed an injury that seems to have finally healed now, as he makes his season debut against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
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
There had been a lot of uncertainty on whether the move would even go through due to the injury that was found during the medical, but the Warriors decided to go ahead with it. Payton had averaged 7.1 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 0.9 APG, and 1.4 SPG for the Warriors last season, before leaving for the Portland Trail Blazers in free agency. Injuries kept him out of action for much of the season, and the Blazers decided to trade him back to the Warriors in a three-team deal.
The Warriors Won’t Be Pursuing Any Action Against The Trail Blazers
The Warriors were furious when they discovered the extent of the injury, and owner Joe Lacob stated earlier this month that they felt the Trail Blazers were disingenuous during trade talks. It was reported that the NBA could fine or take draft picks from the Trail Blazers if it was found that they failed to disclose relevant information, but the Warriors have now decided they won’t be pursuing any action on the matter.
After further review, Golden State won't be pursuing any action, grievance, or review by the NBA regarding Gary Payton II trade with Portland, sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) March 25, 2023
Considering how upset they were at the time, it seems a bit odd for them to completely back out here. Whatever the case, the most important thing here is that Payton is finally back on the court.
His defense was vital for the Warriors last season, and they’ll be hoping he can replicate his good play on his return. He could also play a big part in ensuring that the Warriors secure an automatic berth in the playoffs and avoid the play-in tournament. They are currently the sixth seed with a 39-36 record after winning their last three games, and another win over the seventh-seeded Timberwolves would go a long way toward securing that playoff berth.
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