Jonathan Cumminga, De’Anthony Melton return from injury

As it is Golden State Warriors Continue to battle a brutal schedule early in the 2025-26 NBA season and stay afloat with players in and out of their nightly rotations, two key names on the verge of returning from their injuries.

Jonathan Cummingawho was held since November 14 with knee problemsand De’Anthony Melton, who has yet to make his season debut after suffering torn ACLs last season, are both late in their rehab and were awarded to the Santa Cruz Warriors in the G League on Wednesday to contend, the team announced.

Gui Santos also joined Cuminga and Melton in being sent to the G League to work on his conditioning and get extra reps.

Kuminga last played on November 12 against the San Antonio Spurs before experiencing weakness and pain in his knees. After further evaluationno structural damage was found, and the Warriors thought Kuminga was day-to-day, league sources told ClutchPoints.

Various strengthening exercises and treatments were part of Kuminga’s daily routine. He has progressed well, and the team hopes to have Kuminga back on the floor within a week before their four-game road trip that begins Dec. 4, sources said.

Assuming Kuminga doesn’t suffer any setbacks or soreness when dealing with the G League team, the Warriors will be looking to get him back into the mix right away.

Without the 23-year-old forward, the Warriors went 3-3 in their last six games. His presence has been missed, and head coach Steve Kerr will use Cumming’s athleticism and dynamic scoring ability, likely off the bench, when the medical staff gives him the green light.

It’s worth noting that Cumming’s contract stalled over the summer and the prospect of being on the market before the February deadline didn’t factor into him holding out due to knee pain, sources said. Kuminga is eager to get back on the court and help the Warriors win.

As for Melton, he keeps it up progressing from a torn ACL he suffered last season. Golden State is optimistic it will be ready to make its season debut during the first week of December, sources said.

On November 19, the Warriors announced that Melton was increasing his on-court workouts and would start with the Santa Cruz Warriors in the G League before being integrated into the team’s practices. The Warriors said he will be reevaluated in 10 days — Saturday, Nov. 29.

Assuming he doesn’t suffer any G League scrimmages or backstage workouts, Melton will likely be given the all-clear by the Warriors’ medical staff to participate in a 5-on-5 scrimmage with the team. That would be the final step in his return to action, making his return inevitable.

Kuminga, Melton and Santos will all be retired from the G League after their fight. The Warriors will provide further updates on the injury status of Kuminga and Melton after Thanksgiving.