What was supposed to be a promising new chapter for Kristaps Porzingis and the Golden State Warriors is rapidly turning into one of the NBA’s most complicated situations. Just months after signing a lucrative contract extension, the Latvian center remains away from the team, his basketball future is uncertain, and Golden State is reportedly exploring potential trades.
According to Anthony Slater, concerns surrounding Porzingis had already emerged before training camp. During a team-building event organized by Jimmy Butler in San Diego in September, the 31-year-old reportedly appeared detached from his teammates. Team sources described him as uninterested in participating in scrimmages and demanding basketball activities.
The situation became considerably more concerning shortly afterward. Despite having worked out at Golden State’s practice facility in the days leading up to training camp, Porzingis contacted general manager Mike Dunleavy just before the team’s preparations began, informing him that he was still struggling with the effects of a recurring health condition.
Porzingis has previously disclosed dealing with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a disorder affecting the autonomic nervous system that can cause dizziness, severe fatigue and difficulty tolerating physical activity.
His absence stretched across training camp and the entire preseason, leaving coaches and teammates without a clear timetable for his return.
On October 13, Porzingis finally returned to San Francisco for meetings with Dunleavy and Warriors medical executive Rick Celebrini. The organization initially indicated that he would remain around the team while working toward recovery.
However, according to Slater, the center has not returned to the facility since that meeting and has maintained contact primarily with Dunleavy and Celebrini.
Golden State subsequently confirmed that it does not expect Porzingis to be around the team in the immediate future.
Head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the situation, revealing that his communication with Porzingis had largely been limited to text messages and a phone call.
The timing could hardly be worse for the Warriors. Porzingis signed a two-year, $40 million extension in June, with only $3 million of his $20 million salary for the 2027-28 season guaranteed. The deal was structured to provide Golden State with financial flexibility, but the organization originally envisioned the Latvian as its starting center alongside Draymond Green.
That plan has now been thrown into serious doubt.
The consequences were painfully apparent during Wednesday’s 127-105 season-opening defeat against the Los Angeles Lakers. Without Porzingis protecting the paint, Golden State struggled against newly acquired Lakers center Walker Kessler, who produced 26 points on perfect 12-of-12 shooting.
Stephen Curry, who scored 23 points in the defeat, acknowledged the difficult circumstances afterward.
“It’s a hard one, for all reasons,” Curry said, emphasizing both the personal challenges facing Porzingis and the impact his absence has had on the team’s preparations.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Warriors have begun exploring potential trades involving Porzingis, who is also seriously contemplating whether he can continue his professional basketball career.
The franchise’s financial flexibility could make his contract useful in negotiations, although his uncertain playing future complicates his potential trade value.
Porzingis himself has expressed frustration over his medical difficulties while emphasizing that he is working with doctors and specialists to regain his health.
