Key Takeaways
- The Warriors have reportedly stopped paying Kristaps Porzingis his $20 million salary, saying the absent center is “not rendering services.”
- Porzingis took indefinite leave before training camp amid ongoing health concerns and now reportedly leans toward retirement, though he has made no official announcement.
- Golden State continues exploring trades involving his contract before the February 11 deadline, but its proximity to the NBA’s second luxury-tax apron limits how much salary it can take back.
The Golden State Warriors have reportedly stopped paying Kristaps Porzingis as questions continue to surround the veteran center's NBA future.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania and Anthony Slater, the Warriors are withholding payments on Porzingis' $20 million salary after determining that the 31-year-old is no longer fulfilling his contractual obligations.
"The Warriors are not delivering payments to Kristaps Porzingis on his $20 million salary, ruling that he is not rendering services," Charania reported Wednesday on X.
Despite the decision, Porzingis remains under contract with Golden State, and the franchise can still trade him before the NBA's February 11 deadline.
Charania added that the Warriors will continue exploring potential deals as Porzingis considers walking away from basketball altogether.
"Golden State is permitted to move his contract at any point before the Feb. 11 deadline even without paying him currently, and will continue exhausting trade avenues as the 31-year-old leans toward ending his NBA career," Charania wrote.
The development marks another unexpected chapter in Porzingis' tenure with Golden State, which acquired the former All-Star from the Atlanta Hawks in February in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield.
Porzingis appeared in just 15 games for the Warriors before signing a two-year, $40 million extension in June. However, his availability has remained uncertain amid ongoing health concerns.
According to reports, Porzingis took an indefinite leave of absence shortly before training camp and has not returned to the team. Golden State subsequently changed his designation from "general illness" to "not with team."
The center has previously discussed health complications following an illness during his time with the Boston Celtics, including a reported diagnosis of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).
While Porzingis has not officially announced his retirement, the possibility of him ending his career could complicate Golden State's plans moving forward.
The Warriors are reportedly continuing to explore trade opportunities involving his contract, which could appeal to teams looking to create financial flexibility.
As Charania explained, "Absorbing Porzingis' near-expiring deal would allow a rival team to move a salary out and save money and clear a roster spot via a buyout."
Golden State's financial situation also limits its options. The franchise is reportedly operating about $300,000 below the NBA's second luxury-tax apron, restricting how much salary it can acquire in a trade.
For now, Porzingis remains on the Warriors' roster without receiving his regular salary payments, leaving both his playing future and his place in Golden State uncertain.
