Warriors' Payton could return Sunday from adductor injury

Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II is expected to participate in practice Saturday and could play in Sunday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the team announced.

Payton has yet to play for the Warriors since they acquired him on Feb. 12 due to an adductor injury. He was re-evaluated Wednesday and continues to make progress, the team said.

The 30-year-old guard rejoined Golden State in a four-team swap at the trade deadline involving the Portland Trail Blazers, Detroit Pistons, and Atlanta Hawks. Payton failed his physical with the Warriors due to the injury, but the club elected to go through with the deal.

Payton signed a three-year, $26-million contract with the Trail Blazers last summer after winning the 2022 championship with Golden State.

He's played in just 15 games this season due to multiple ailments, including a core muscle injury that forced Payton to miss Portland's first 35 contests.