Tag: Gary Payton II

Jimmy Butler Torn ACL Ends Season as Kerr Plans Rotation Experiments and Leans on Depth

Jimmy Butler
January 2026

Butler suffered a season-ending right ACL tear and will need surgery, forcing the Warriors to adjust rotations while trying to maintain momentum from a strong stretch of form. He landed awkwardly after contact, MRI confirmed the tear, and Kerr said the group will adapt by testing lineups, potentially reintroducing Kuminga, and leaning more on Horford, Melton, and developing bench pieces to cover Butler’s two-way impact.

Warriors Roster Stalled by Kuminga Contract Saga

Golden State Warriors
September 2025

Golden State have only nine players signed with camp looming, and Jonathan Kuminga’s unresolved contract is delaying moves for Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, and Gary Payton II. Kuminga averaged 15.3 points last season but remains stuck between a $72.5m deal and a one-year qualifying offer. The team’s offer includes a three-year, $72.5m package with a team option, but his agent concedes signing may make a trade before February inevitable. Kuminga risks surrendering $40m guaranteed if he chooses the qualifying deal, leaving Golden State’s depth in limbo.

Gary Payton II Ruled Out for Warriors’ Game 7 Clash vs. Rockets Due to Illness

Gary Payton II (Golden State Warriors)
May 2025

Warriors guard Gary Payton II will miss the decisive Game 7 against the Houston Rockets due to severe illness, with coach Steve Kerr confirming he hasn’t eaten or joined team activities.
Payton started Game 6 and was key off the bench earlier in the series, but his absence will force Kerr to rethink lineup combinations, potentially opening minutes for multiple role players.

Warriors’ Gary Payton II Suffers Thumb Ligament Tear, Out at Least One Week

Gary Payton II (Golden State Warriors)
Injury sustained on 26 March vs. Miami Heat

Payton suffered a partial ligament tear in his left thumb and will be re-evaluated in a week, missing at least Friday’s game vs. the Pelicans.
The injury, deemed a pain tolerance issue post-rehab, sidelines one of the team’s top recent performers. Coach Kerr expects Jonathan Kuminga to fill the defensive void.

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