NBA Rumors: Andrew Wiggins Set to Return to Warriors; Last Played for GSW on Feb. 13

Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins is nearing a return to the team after missing the last 22 games due to a personal matter.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Wiggins is expected to return this week, though no formal determination has been made when he will be back on the floor. The Warriors' next game is Tuesday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

No details have been made public regarding Wiggins' absence beyond it being a personal matter. He has not played since scoring 29 points in a win over the Washington Wizards on Feb. 13.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters last week that Wiggins has been working out on a "daily basis" while away from the team. However, the team's medical staff will need to evaluate him to determine his fitness as he seeks a return to the court.

Wiggins averaged 17.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists over his first 37 games this season. He signed a four-year, $109 million extension with the Warriors in October after playing a co-starring role with Stephen Curry in the team's 2022 NBA championship run.

"Friend to friend, teammate to teammate, just sending him support," Curry told reporters of how he's handled Wiggins' absence. "It's a tough situation in terms of him being away for so long, but necessary. Life is bigger than basketball. Whatever him and his family are going through, that's all that matters. Whenever he's ready to come back, I'm sure he will. That's how he's built in terms of being available. I know he's missing the vibe and being with us and we miss him too."

The Warriors will need Wiggins back at the apex of his abilities to defend their title. Golden State heads into the stretch run of the season at 41-38, carrying just a half-game lead over the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans for the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference.