Warriors Withhold Porzingis Salary Amid Indefinite Health Absence

The Golden State Warriors have stopped paying Kristaps Porzingis, Sky Sport reported, after the forward-center’s absence from the team was deemed unjustified and his failure to meet team obligations escalated the dispute.

Porzingis, who signed a two-year, $40 million contract extension with Golden State during the offseason, is owed a fully guaranteed first year, with only $3 million guaranteed in the second year, according to the report. ESPN, cited by Sky Sport, said the Warriors’ decision not to pay him stems from Porzingis not fulfilling his obligations to the franchise.

Porzingis has not appeared at the Warriors’ facility since early October

The 7-foot-3 Latvian has been away from the team indefinitely for a health issue that has not been publicly specified. Sky Sport reported that Porzingis is weighing retirement seriously, and that descriptions of his condition shifted from “general malaise” to “not with the team.” Last fall, Porzingis publicly disclosed a diagnosis of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).

According to the report, Porzingis met with Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy and head of medical staff Rick Celebrini in early October, then did not appear at the team’s practice facility again and left the team entirely. The Warriors have reportedly accepted the decision without Porzingis filing a grievance with the National Basketball Players Association.

Golden State wants a trade, not a release

The Warriors have no intention of waiving Porzingis, Sky Sport reported, and instead are trying until the last moment to trade him for salary-cap flexibility. The report named Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner and Chicago Bulls forward Jalen Smith as players linked to potential trade scenarios.

Earlier coverage: Warriors Withhold Salary Payments to Kristaps Porzingis