Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis announced he is stepping away from the NBA to prioritize his health. The 7-foot-2 forward signed a two-year, $40 million extension in June but has been unable to play this season due to physical limitations. Despite the move, the Warriors can still utilize his $20 million salary in a trade before the February deadline.
Porzingis expressed respect for the organization while acknowledging his body did not respond as expected during training camp. The Warriors initially gave him two weeks away from the facility but anticipated his return. However, Porzingis opted to leave again after a meeting and has decided to step away from the NBA entirely.
The team has not been paying his $20 million salary, a decision neither he nor the players' association is contesting. Golden State has no plan to void the contract and continues to survey the trade market, looking to improve a team that has started 6-3 with a six-game win streak. Porzingis remains amenable to a trade and could become an appealing contract for a rival team looking to shed salary.
With only $3 million guaranteed on his deal next season, a post-trade buyout could save a team more. He has been dealing with persistent health issues after contracting a viral illness in Boston two seasons ago and suffering several leg injuries during an otherwise productive 11-year career.
Source: ESPN NBA · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing