Golden State Warriors veteran Kristaps Porziņģis has not played this season, and based on recent reporting, he may not play again any time soon.
Porziņģis, who is battling health issues, stepped away from the organization before training camp began even though he still has two seasons remaining on his contract. As such, the organization is withdrawing payment because he is not rendering services in his contract. He is officially listed as “not with team” rather than as having a “general illness” as previously described.
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Golden State head coach Steve Kerr said the Warriors were “caught off guard” by the decision by Porziņģis. The team is reportedly “pessimistic” that he will ever play for them again.
“The Golden State Warriors are not delivering semimonthly payments to veteran center Kristaps Porzingis on his $20 million salary, league sources told ESPN, ruling that the currently absent center is not rendering his services. General manager Mike Dunleavy and the Warriors’ front office are still actively pursuing trade avenues utilizing Porzingis’ contract even as the 31-year-old leans toward ending his NBA career.”
It is notable, of course, that Porziņģis is reportedly not receiving his contract and is leaning towards ending his career.
Porziņģis is reportedly not challenging the decision by Golden State, even if it is costly. According to The Athletic, the NBPA is currently “aligned” with the stance to not challenge the Warriors. But they don’t agree on everything.
“[The] organization and Porziņģis’ camp still appear to disagree behind the scenes about what, exactly, is keeping the 31-year-old off the floor. Dunleavy and Kerr have publicly cited only a health issue, while Porziņģis’ continued absence has fueled speculation that he may retire from the sport.”
The big man shared his perspective with regard to his absence on social media in mid-October.
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Golden State does not currently have plans to permanently void his contract. If it were to happen, though, it is unlikely to happen until February so that Golden State’s front office can first survey the trade market before the deadline.
Potential trade suitors could have interest in Porziņģis because they could get rid of an unwanted long-term salary or fetch an additional draft pick compensation in return.
Until then, the situation remains messy between the 2024 NBA champion and the Warriors. But as both sides wait for a resolution with regard to his health, which matters most, there is no clear right answer.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: What is going on with Kristaps Porzingis and his Warriors absence?
