The Golden State Warriors are exploring trade routes for Kristaps Porziņģis as the veteran center remains out indefinitely, dealing with a private health issue involving postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome that has him seriously contemplating his basketball future.
Porziņģis Contract Structure Affects Potential Trade Options
Porziņģis signed a two-year, $40 million extension with Golden State over the summer. That deal includes a player option for the 2027–28 season with a partial guarantee of just $3 million out of $20 million, effectively functioning as an expiring contract that can appeal to teams looking to clear future salary cap space.
Golden State has started exploring trade routes for Kristaps Porzingis, who is now seriously contemplating his future in basketball as he deals with recurring symptoms from the autoimmune condition termed as POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/w9fb2Tk4kb
League salary rules complicate any deal. The Warriors reached out to the Milwaukee Bucks regarding center Myles Turner, though Milwaukee is not believed to hold interest in acquiring Porziņģis.
Because Porziņģis makes $20 million, the Warriors face a financial gap when attempting to match salaries for players like Turner, who makes $26.58 million for the 2026-27 season. Because financial regulations set by the league complicate matters, the franchise is compelled to include additional draft selections and players to balance the books. The Warriors still possess nearly all of their future first-round draft selections and several expiring contracts to dangle as assets. Public comments from general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. indicate that the roster was purposefully constructed this year to preserve the flexibility for making midyear trades should a suitable opportunity present itself. Trade discussions have also touched on teams like the Chicago Bulls, who could potentially structure deals around players such as Patrick Williams.
Warriors Statement On Kristaps Porzingis: pic.twitter.com/2hCAvCt9TY
Porziņģis was selected fourth overall by the New York Knicks in the 2015 NBA Draft. Over his career, he has spent time with the Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards, Boston Celtics, and Atlanta Hawks prior to his arrival in Golden State via a trade at last year’s deadline. His most productive individual season came in Boston during the 2023-24 campaign, where he averaged 20.1 points and 7.2 rebounds per contest under head coach Joe Mazzulla, serving as a critical stretch-five option in the starting lineup and helping the Celtics capture the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy. He was subsequently named an NBA All-Star in 2018. During his time splitting the 2025-26 season between Atlanta and Golden State, he appeared in 32 total games, averaging 16.1 points and 5.3 rebounds following his midseason arrival in the Bay Area, though his three-point shooting dipped to 31.1 percent.
Health Struggles and Meeting with Team Leadership
Speculation surrounding his rampant health problems dating back to the Celtics’ 2024 playoff run eventually grew so intense that the 31-year-old felt obligated to publish statements addressing internet rumors.
I appreciate all the internet doctors trying to diagnose and help, but I'm in the best hands. So everyone can relax now 😄🙏🏼 and I don’t have hiv or aids.
Prior to training camp, Porziņģis informed the organization that he was still dealing with lingering symptoms from his condition and would take an indefinite leave of absence. Before stepping away, he attended an event in San Diego organized by teammate Jimmy Butler in late September, where team sources described a detached Porziņģis as indifferent and uninterested in participating in scrimmages and strenuous on-court preparation work. He has since maintained contact primarily with Dunleavy and Celebrini while remaining away from the team facility.
As I’ve mentioned to you guys out first order of business is to support Kristaps and help him through this.
Kerr also added regarding his mindset on the absence: Other than my concern for him and his own well-being, I don't think of it.
Public Statement and Roster Impact for Golden State
The Warriors stated they would not comment on trade rumors or health matters while confirming Porziņģis would remain away from the club.
As noted last week, conversations between the Warriors, Kristaps and his representatives will remain private. We are not anticipating Kristaps being around the team in the immediate future. We’ll provide additional updates when available and appropriate.
With Jimmy Butler III recovering from a torn ACL and Moses Moody sidelined following a ruptured left patellar tendon sustained last season, the Warriors face the start of a regular season carrying nearly $90 million in salary sitting out due to injuries. Golden State finalized an 18-player opening night roster, featuring three two-way players and standout rookie preseason performer Yaxel Lendeborg, who averaged a team-high 15.6 points on 56.9 percent shooting from the field and 43.8 percent from beyond the arc. General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. built the roster with flexibility to strike on in-season trades should the right opportunity materialize to support 38-year-old franchise star Stephen Curry alongside longtime teammate Draymond Green.
Dunleavy when I asked him yesterday what they're going to do at center without Porzingis: https://t.co/wf83lyIOd5 pic.twitter.com/pnpVwmMG69
More on Kristaps Porziņģis
Amick: Warriors have contacted Bucks about potential Kristaps Porzingis trade, but Milwaukee is not believed to have any interest.
Shams: Warriors have started exploring trade routes for Kristaps Porzingis.Porzingis is "contemplating his future in basketball" as he deals with reoccurring health issues.
Reporting for NBA Today on Kristaps Porzingis seriously contemplating stepping away from basketball — for good — as the Warriors explore trades using his nearly expiring contract: pic.twitter.com/YK5bGwwDma