The Golden State Warriors are taking a notable step in their management of Kristaps Porzingis, who faces an uncertain NBA future. The Warriors are reportedly withholding Porzingis’ salary payments, amounting to $20 million for this season, as they explore potential trades involving the 31-year-old veteran center.
Reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania and Anthony Slater indicate that the Warriors don’t consider Porzingis to be meeting his contractual duties, as he has not been rendering services to the team. Despite the decision to hold back his pay, Golden State retains the option to trade Porzingis’ contract before the NBA’s trade deadline on February 11.
This situation complicates Porzingis’ relationship with the franchise, casting doubts over his future. Porzingis joined the Warriors last February in a trade from the Atlanta Hawks and signed a two-year, $40 million extension during the offseason. Currently, ongoing health issues keep him away from the team.
On October 21, the Warriors announced Porzingis’ indefinite absence, offering no clarity on his medical concerns or likely return. Charania had reported earlier that Porzingis was contemplating retirement from professional basketball due to persistent health struggles.
Faced with this uncertainty, the Warriors are seeking options to trade his contract before the deadline. While Porzingis is owed $20 million for the current season, the 2027-28 campaign requires only $3 million in guaranteed money from his $20 million salary. This contract detail might interest teams looking to lower future financial obligations.
Charania notes that an acquiring team may have the opportunity to swap another contract in such a trade, followed by a potential buyout to gain roster flexibility.
Last season, Porzingis played just 15 games for Golden State, averaging 16.1 points and 5.3 rebounds. Initially, the Warriors saw him as a critical frontcourt member alongside stars like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. However, Porzingis’ prolonged absence has prompted the organization to rethink their strategy.
As the trade deadline nears, with Porzingis’ playing status still uncertain, the Warriors must decide the best course of action regarding a contract that could hold value, even if Porzingis doesn’t return to play.
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