The Golden State Warriors stopped paying Kristaps Porziņģis his $20 million salary because the player failed to render services, according to ESPN. The team ruled that the 31-year-old is not performing his contractual duties. As reported by 1188.lv and nra.lv, the athlete does not contest the stoppage of his pay.
Warriors Evaluate Contract Options
The club is permitted to move the player’s contract at any point before the February 11, 2027, trade deadline without making further payments. Management is currently evaluating these options.
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Writing for The San Francisco Standard on November 1, Danny Emerman clarified the team’s position. ESPN’s Anthony Slater noted in early October that the team discussed classifying the absence as a breach of contract, but the organization is not currently pursuing that path.
Golden State may conduct transactions involving the player’s contract at any moment until February 11, without making payments, noted ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The organization is currently seeking a partner willing to take on the remaining value of the contract. Another team could gain financial flexibility by absorbing the near-expiring deal.
Charania added that by taking on Porziņģis’ contract, another team could rid itself of unwanted salary. They could save funds and clear a roster spot by agreeing to a buyout.
Health Concerns Impact Career
Porziņģis has been leaning toward ending his NBA career due to ongoing health concerns. He previously disclosed his struggle with POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) while with the Boston Celtics.
This condition can lead to severe fatigue or dizziness if left untreated. For an athlete, this is his whole life.
Porziņģis Targets Buyout to Facilitate Official Retirement
The player signed a two-year deal with the Warriors in the summer of 2026 valued at $40 million. Only $3 million of his salary for the second season is guaranteed.
Journalist Jake Fischer reported that Porziņģis would be interested in a buyout. This would allow him to officially retire while receiving a portion of his guaranteed money.
If he were to retire due to health, the club could request an evaluation of his status. This would be based on the time elapsed since his last appearance on April 15, 2026.
The Warriors have started the current NBA season with five wins in eight games. They have struggled to integrate the center into the lineup.
The team provided clearance for the player to participate in training camp, but he did not attend. He has remained absent from the team’s training base.
Internal discussions regarding a potential trade have been ongoing since October. It is not yet known if the Warriors will reach a buyout agreement or trade the player before the February deadline.