The Golden State Warriors have begun exploring trade routes for veteran center Kristaps Porzingis, who remains out indefinitely as he deals with a health issue that has him seriously contemplating his future in basketball, league sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Porzingis, 31, is battling recurring symptoms of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) — a condition he first revealed last year. Charania reports that stepping away from basketball permanently is a real possibility if there is no breakthrough in his recovery. The center remains away from the team and did not accompany Golden State on its season-opening road trip, which opens against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Contract Situation
Golden State acquired Porzingis from the Atlanta Hawks at the February trade deadline in a deal built around Jonathan Kuminga, then signed him to a two-year, $40 million extension in June. He’s owed $20 million this season with only a small partial guarantee next year, making the deal function essentially as an expiring contract — a trade-flexible asset Charania notes the Warriors could package with other pieces.
The team had penciled Porzingis in as its projected starting center alongside Draymond Green after what management felt was an encouraging summer. But on the Sunday before training camp, Porzingis called general manager Mike Dunleavy to alert the team he was still dealing with the lingering issue and would take an indefinite leave of absence. His absence leaves Green and Al Horford handling the center spot, with Charles Bassey nursing a knee issue.
Health Comes First
Head coach Steve Kerr has stayed in contact with Porzingis and stressed the team’s priority: “Our first order of business is to support Kristaps and help him through this.” It’s a sad turn for a player whose shooting, size and rim protection were supposed to anchor Golden State’s frontcourt — instead, the Warriors may move on before he ever plays a full season in the Bay.
Also Read: NBA 2026-27: The Teams Most Desperate to Win Now, From the Suns to the Cavaliers
Source: ESPN — read the full story there.