Kristaps Porzingis is considering retirement after a decade in the NBA due to the ongoing impact of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), according to reports from ESPN. The condition, which affects the autonomic nervous system and causes symptoms including dizziness, lightheadedness, and extreme fatigue, has led the Latvian forward to step away from the Golden State Warriors indefinitely.
The situation developed shortly before the start of the team’s training camp, when Porzingis informed the organization of his medical status. While he has dealt with the condition intermittently over the last two years, sources tell ESPN that he is now seriously evaluating whether he can continue his professional basketball career if his health does not see significant improvement.
Golden State Warriors Explore Trade Possibilities
The organization, which acquired the 31-year-old in a trade in February 2026, signed him to a two-year extension worth $40 million this past June. However, the contract structure—which guarantees only $3 million for the 2027-28 season—is viewed as a potential asset for a trade.
Steve Kerr says Kristaps Porzingis doesn't suffer from POTS, per @WillardAndDibs"After the trade…I called Onsi Saleh, Atlanta's GM, and I asked, 'Is this POTS story real? ‘He said, 'It's actually not POTS.' So that was misinformation that was out there."(Via @957thegame) pic.twitter.com/LHdtA8bFkz
NBAPassion reports that Golden State is looking to move the $19.5 million salary associated with the 2026-27 season. Because the team is currently operating above the first tax apron, they are restricted from taking back more salary than they send out in any transaction. To facilitate a deal, the Warriors may be required to attach draft capital or additional assets to entice other teams to absorb the contract, as any acquiring team would likely seek to negotiate a buyout with the player.
The Warriors have declined to comment on the latest developments regarding Porzingis, though they have indicated he is not expected to be with the team in the immediate future.
Contract Terms and Market Limitations
The financial framework of the deal signed in June was designed with the possibility of a trade in mind, allowing the team to move the contract immediately rather than waiting for mid-December trade restrictions to lift. Despite this flexibility, finding a partner remains a complex task. According to NBAPassion, few teams currently possess the salary-cap space to absorb Porzingis’s contract without sending back significant salary in return.
While teams such as the Memphis Grizzlies and Brooklyn Nets have marginal space, the current landscape of the first tax apron restricts the Warriors’ ability to maneuver.
Status of the Warriors’ Rotation
As the team navigates the uncertainty surrounding Porzingis, the Warriors are preparing for their season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers. The game is scheduled for the night of Wednesday, October 21, into Thursday, October 22, at 4:00 AM local time, with broadcast coverage on Sky Sport Basket.
Porzingis, who was diagnosed with the autoimmune condition during his time with the Atlanta Hawks, has not been present with the team in recent weeks. He reportedly returned to San Francisco earlier this fall to consult with general manager Mike Dunleavy and the team’s performance staff, including Rick Celebrini, to discuss his future. Whether Porzingis will return to the court or conclude his career remains a pending question as the team moves forward with its roster plans.
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