The Golden State Warriors have stopped paying Latvian center Kristaps Porzingis’ $20 million salary for the 2024-25 season, ruling he is not rendering services to the team, according to multiple reports.
The decision, confirmed by ESPN insider Shams Charania and Anthony Slater, follows Porzingis’ absence from Warriors activities since stepping away the day before training camp began in October. The NBA Players’ Association has no plans to dispute the withholding of payments, and Porzingis has not contested the decision.
Health concerns and contract status
Porzingis has not played for the Warriors this season after joining the team in a February trade with the Atlanta Hawks. His absence stems from ongoing medical issues, including recurring symptoms tied to Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a condition that can cause dizziness and fatigue. In an October 14 post on X, Porzingis stated he was working with doctors to recover and denied rumors alleging he had contracted HIV or AIDS.
The Warriors signed Porzingis to a two-year, $40 million extension during the offseason, despite his limited playing time over the past two seasons. Only $3 million of his 2027-28 salary is guaranteed, which could make his contract attractive for teams looking to shed future financial commitments.
Trade deadline implications
Golden State has not ruled out trading Porzingis before the NBA’s February 11 trade deadline, according to reports. The team has won five consecutive games without him, but his absence has left fans and analysts questioning his future with the franchise. Porzingis has not demanded a trade, unlike other players in similar situations, and is considering retirement, per Marc Stein’s Substack report.
The Warriors’ decision to withhold payments aligns with league rules allowing teams to stop salaries when a player is not fulfilling contractual obligations. The NBA’s stance on such cases has been tested in past instances, including the Philadelphia 76ers’ handling of Ben Simmons in 2021-22, though Porzingis’ situation differs as he has not requested a trade.
Contract structure and financial impact
Porzingis is owed $20 million this season, with only $3 million of his 2027-28 salary guaranteed. This structure could facilitate a trade, as teams may pursue him to offload other contracts in a larger transaction. The Warriors’ willingness to move his contract suggests they are prioritizing immediate roster flexibility over retaining him long-term.
The league’s approach to Porzingis’ status remains fluid, with no confirmed timeline for his potential return or resolution of his health issues.