Kristaps Porzingis Faces Uncertain Warriors Future As Al Horford Shares A Personal Update

Kristaps Porzingis faces uncertainty surrounding his future with the Warriors© Instagram/ kporzee

Warriors big man Al Horford has been in touch with Kristaps Porzingis, but he is keeping the details private. After Wednesday's practice, Horford told reporters the two have swapped only a few texts over the past few weeks. The 31-year-old center has not played or practiced this season, and Golden State has stopped paying his $20 million salary after ruling he is not rendering services. ESPN reports Porzingis is leaning toward retirement. The contract stays on the books, so the Warriors can still trade him before the Feb. 11 deadline.

What did Al Horford say about Kristaps Porzingis?

Horford did not say much. He has texted with Porzingis, but only “some texts here or there,” and contact has been light for a few weeks. He will not speak for his teammate and plans to wait until Porzingis decides to share his side. Joseph Dycus of The Mercury News reported the comments.

The two have history from Boston. They played two seasons together with the Celtics and won the 2024 title there. Horford said he supports Porzingis and wants the best for him.

Porzingis has been away since before training camp. The Warriors first listed him under “general illness,” then changed it to “not with team.” He has previously disclosed a POTS diagnosis, short for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.

What are the Warriors doing with the Porzingis contract?

ESPN's Shams Charania and Anthony Slater reported the Warriors are not making payments on the $20 million salary. Golden State is not voiding the deal and can still trade it, though the salary still counts against its cap. The players' union does not plan to challenge the decision, according to Dycus, citing sources close to Porzingis and the union.

The $40 million center signed a two-year extension in June, four months after the Warriors got him from Atlanta for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield. He played 15 games for Golden State before that. Only $3 million of year two is guaranteed, which makes the contract easier to move. For a rival, taking him on could mean shedding other salary and opening a roster spot through a buyout.

General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. is looking at trades ahead of the Feb. 11 deadline. The Warriors sit about $300,000 below the second tax apron, so they can take back little salary. Porzingis has made no retirement announcement.