The Golden State Warriors provided a significant update on Gary Payton II’s injury status Thursday, ahead of their crucial road game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
According to the Warriors’ medical report posted on X, Payton II, who suffered a partial ligament tear in his left thumb during the team’s March 25 game against Miami, is showing good recovery progress. However, he will not play in tonight’s game against the Lakers and will be considered day-to-day going forward.
Payton II has missed the Warriors’ last three games due to the injury.
The key reserve guard has been averaging 11.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.3 steals in 21.0 minutes over 11 games in March, with a 46.4% shooting rate from beyond the arc. Previously, Payton II missed one game in March due to a non-displaced nasal bone fracture but returned to the court wearing a protective face mask.
Despite his absence, the Warriors have continued their winning ways, securing three consecutive victories and moving to the No. 5 spot in the Western Conference after briefly falling to No. 7 last week. With a 44-31 record, the Warriors hold a half-game lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Clippers, and Memphis Grizzlies, who all have a 44-32 record. A win over the Lakers would extend their lead for the No. 5 seed to one full game and bring them within 1 1/2 games of the No. 3 seed as the season approaches its final stretch.
Jonathan Kuminga’s Status Remains Uncertain
The Warriors have not provided an update on Jonathan Kuminga, who missed the team’s last game due to a pelvic contusion. Kuminga sustained the injury during the March 30 win over the San Antonio Spurs when he landed awkwardly after driving to the basket late in the second quarter. The Warriors had initially diagnosed him with soreness in his right ankle, which kept him sidelined for 32 games earlier this season, and they are continuing to evaluate the extent of the injury.
Before this setback, Kuminga had been performing well, averaging 13.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 21.5 minutes over nine games since returning from his ankle injury. However, his struggles from beyond the arc, where he shot just 15.8%, limited his playing time with key teammates.
No Leverage in Restricted Free Agency for Kuminga
An NBA executive shared insight into Jonathan Kuminga’s upcoming restricted free agency, revealing that the Brooklyn Nets, the Warriors’ biggest competitor in retaining him, are more likely to use their cap space for trades rather than offering large contracts to free agents.
“They’ve sent the message that if they do anything major with their space, it’s likely going to be through trade, not signings,” the executive told ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. This situation leaves Kuminga with limited leverage in contract talks with the Warriors. A prominent agent suggested Kuminga might regret not accepting the Warriors’ initial contract extension offer from last year.
The agent explained that a “free agent recession” is expected this summer, with fewer teams making big spending moves due to the new spending rules and salary cap adjustments. Kuminga’s camp had reportedly been aiming for a $35 million average annual salary, but the Warriors had only offered $30 million. Given the current market conditions, Kuminga may have to settle for less, which could work out in the Warriors’ favor.
