Honestly, I’m getting better and better,
Kristaps Porzingis wrote on Twitter/X during the preseason, according to The Mercury News. I just have to stay patient, and I believe I’ll be feeling great again soon.
Warriors Halt Salary Payments as Porzingis Weighs Retirement
The Golden State Warriors are withholding semimonthly salary payments from veteran center Kristaps Porzingis on his $20 million salary for the season, with league sources telling ESPN that the organization ruled the absent player is not rendering his services. Porzingis, 31, has not played this season due to an undisclosed health issue and is leaning toward ending his NBA career, according to Yahoo Sports. General manager Mike Dunleavy and the Warriors front office are actively pursuing trade possibilities using his contract ahead of the February 11 deadline, while team sources emphasize that the franchise currently has no plans to void the player’s deal (Hoops Rumors).
Under league rules, the financial penalty for failing to render services equals 1/91.6th of a player’s salary per missed game, which amounts to $218,341 per game for Porzingis. Despite the lost checks, league sources indicate that Porzingis is not actively disputing the withheld payments.
Absorb Porzingis Expiring Deal to Shed Salary
Porzingis signed a two-year, $40 million contract extension over the summer that includes a player option for the 2027-28 season, though only $3 million of that option year is guaranteed (Hoops Rumors). Because his salary counts against the team’s salary cap and tax apron, acquiring teams could potentially absorb the near-expiring deal to shed longer-term salary, create a roster spot via a buyout, or receive a draft asset depending on what Golden State attaches in a deal. Sources believe Porzingis would have strong interest in a buyout agreement to recover some of his lost earnings rather than contesting the game-by-game fines (Hoops Rumors).
Trade discussions remain in early stages, with league observers noting that immediate interest is unlikely to materialize across the league so early in the schedule. Golden State has contacted teams including the Milwaukee Bucks regarding a potential trade, though the Warriors’ interest in Myles Turner’s multiyear contract is described as limited without a sweetener attached (Hoops Rumors). The front office also inquired about Chicago forward/center Jalen Smith and his expiring $9.4 million contract, though the Bulls’ current standing complicates seller inquiries (Hoops Rumors).
Porzingis Missed Playing Time Due to Health Condition
Porzingis missed significant playing time over the past two seasons and previously spoke about a diagnosis of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, an ailment carrying symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, blurry vision, weakness, and rapid heart rate (Hoops Rumors, The Mercury News). After stepping away from the team on the eve of training camp, Porzingis met with Dunleavy and lead medical decision-maker Rick Celebrini in early October. Following the visit, the organization shifted his official roster designation from a general illness to “not with team” as his absence continued.
On the floor, head coach Steve Kerr has relied on a frontcourt rotation featuring Draymond Green, Al Horford, Charles Bassey, and rookie Graham Ike (Hoops Rumors, The Mercury News). Following a 0-3 start to the campaign, the Warriors have responded by winning five consecutive games (ESPN, Hoops Rumors).
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