Source: Warriors Optimistic Of Gary Payton II's Return Before End Of Regular Season
Currently in the midst of fighting for playoff positioning in the Western Conference standings, the Golden State Warriors may be getting a key talent back before the conclusion of the season.
On Thursday, Gary Payton II will be re-evaluated by the team's medical staff for a right adductor/core injury he had surgery on in the offseason and with just nine games remaining on their schedule, the Warriors are optimistic that Payton will be able to return to the floor before the conclusion of the regular season, league sources told Fastbreak on FanNation recently.
Payton proved to be a key part of the Warriors' championship run a season ago and while they opted to let him go in free agency this past offseason, signing a three-year, near $26 million deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State re-acquired Payton at the trade deadline in a multi-team deal that sent James Wiseman to the Detroit Pistons.
However, Payton has yet to make his season debut with the Warriors due to this right adductor/core injury. Initially said to be ready for the start of the 2022-23 season while in Portland, Payton was not able to make his debut with the Trail Blazers until January.
The Warriors have been cautious with Gary Payton II since his failed medical exam when they acquired him at this season's trade deadline and they have slowly been working him back into everyday basketball activities.
On March 13, the team said that Payton had been making good progress and had started various on-court activities. He has continued to ramp up participation outside of games since then and sources say that the Warriors' guard has shown no concerning limitations in his workouts.
The Warriors have really struggled on the defensive-end of the floor this season and with Andrew Wiggins still remaining away from the organization due to a personal matter, getting Gary Payton II back before the conclusion of the regular season would be a huge boost to this team.
Golden State is currently 37-36 on the season and are preparing for a very important game on the road Wednesday night against the Dallas Mavericks, who they lead by just a half-game in the standings.
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