Kristaps Porzingis is stepping away from professional basketball, the 7-foot-4 center announced on his personal social media. The move comes after a tumultuous start to his tenure with the Golden State Warriors, where he has not appeared at all this season following the signing of a two-year, $40 million contract.
The 29-year-old Latvian player explained his decision in a lengthy statement. “This season, I was very much looking forward to fighting alongside this team,” Porzingis wrote. “However, as the intensity of training gradually increased, my body did not react as I had expected. I feel okay right now, but I know what level I need to reach to meet the standards I have set for myself in competition. After careful consideration, I have decided to prioritize my health and step away from the sport I love for now.”
In his statement, Porzingis expressed respect for the Warriors and a desire to find a solution. “In this situation, I want to express my full respect to the Golden State Warriors and work with the team to find a reasonable resolution,” he continued. “Thank you to my family and those close to me for their constant companionship. I also sincerely thank everyone for their support.”
A Contract in Limbo
Porzingis’s situation with the Warriors has been fraught with uncertainty since he signed the contract in July. He did not participate in the team’s training camp or preseason, and he has been absent from all nine of their regular-season games. His absence has been total—he has not even been seen on the sidelines during home games.
Earlier this week, a report from Shams Charania of The Athletic detailed a new development in the financial dispute between Porzingis and the team. According to the report, the Warriors have withheld a $20 million payment from Porzingis because he has not fulfilled the terms of his contract. The report stated that Porzingis has not objected to the team’s decision.
The Health Concerns
The underlying reason for Porzingis’s departure appears to be related to his ongoing health struggles. A key factor is reportedly POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), a condition that affects blood pressure and heart rate. Porzingis first dealt with the mysterious illness during his time with the Boston Celtics. He was once unable to finish a game due to feeling he “could not breathe,” and he missed a significant number of games after being traded to the Atlanta Hawks.
Even during his first season with the Warriors last year, Porzingis was not fully healthy. Despite this, the team’s front office chose to offer him a lucrative contract this offseason. The deal includes a second-year salary that is only partially guaranteed, which has proven to be a fortunate clause for the team in the current situation.
A Career Defined by Talent and Fragility
Porzingis entered the NBA as a fourth overall pick in the 5 draft. Over his 11 seasons, he has played for the New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, and now the Warriors. He has appeared in 533 career regular-season games, averaging 19.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.8 blocks per contest.
His career highlights include one All-Star selection and, most notably, winning an NBA championship with the Celtics in 2024. When healthy, Porzingis was a unique and impactful player, using his size to protect the rim while also possessing the skill to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting. However, his career has been consistently hampered by injuries and health issues.
His performance during the Celtics’ championship run is a prime example of his fragility. He appeared in only seven playoff games, averaging just 23.6 minutes per contest.
What’s Next for the Warriors
The $20 million they are withholding from Porzingis is not a major financial loss, but it is the salary cap space that contract occupies that presents a problem. The team is now over the NBA’s second apron, severely limiting its ability to make trades or add other players to the roster.
- Why did Kristaps Porzingis step away from basketball?
- Porzingis cited his physical condition as the primary reason, stating his body did not respond to training as he had hoped. He made a personal decision to prioritize his health.
- What is the status of his contract with the Golden State Warriors?
- The team has withheld a $20 million payment because Porzingis has not met the terms of his contract by not participating in team activities. He has not objected to this decision.
- Is his NBA career over?
- Porzingis described his departure as “for now,” leaving the door open for a potential return. However, his statement and the nature of his health issues strongly suggest this could be the end of his playing career.
- How does this affect the Golden State Warriors?
- The team is over the NBA’s second apron, and Porzingis’s contract is tying up significant salary cap space, limiting their ability to make trades or add players. They are expected to try and trade him.
Earlier coverage: Kristaps Porzingis announces indefinite career pause for health
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