Golden State Warriors Get A Fresh Kristaps Porzingis Update As Contract Tension Puts His Future Under Scrutiny

Kristaps Porzingis addresses his future amid Warriors contract tension© Instagram/ kporzee

There has been a long speculation about Kristaps Porzingis' health. Now, in a recent update, the Golden State Warriors star shared that he is stepping away from basketball to put health first, and the Warriors will have to move forward without their new center. The 7-foot-2 Latvian posted a statement on social media Friday, saying his body did not respond as expected while ramping up for the season. Porzingis has not played this year, after telling the team just before preseason workouts began he would not report. Golden State is 6-3 and has won six straight, yet the center spot is thin. Porzingis did not say whether the move is a retirement.

Kristaps Porzingis Is Stepping Away From Basketball

Kristaps Porzingis opened with disappointment. “This season I was really looking forward to running it with this group, but as I ramped up, my body didn't respond the way I anticipated,” he said.

Then gave a plain self-assessment. “I'm doing good, but I know what it takes, and I'm not where I want to be to perform at the level that I expect from myself.”

“At this point, I've made the decision to prioritize my health and step away from the game I love.”

Porzingis did not mention POTS, the neurological disease he was diagnosed with in 2025, and he did not say he is retiring.

He did address the club. “In this situation, I want to show the utmost respect for the Golden State Warriors and work with them to find a solution that makes sense,” Porzingis said.

Warriors Keep Trade Plans Alive While Salary Payments Stop

Golden State has already moved on the money. Multiple reports say the team is not paying Porzingis while he is away. ESPN's Anthony Slater reported the Warriors still view the center as a trade piece and plan to keep him available all season.

Porzingis signed a two-year, $40 million deal in June. Only $3 million of the second year is guaranteed, so the contract could appeal to teams trying to clear cap space.

Porzingis broke in with New York in 2015, helped Boston win the 2024 title and reached Golden State in a February trade from Atlanta. He averaged 16.1 points and 5.3 rebounds across 15 games with the Warriors last season.

Porzingis last visited the facility Oct. 13 to meet general manager Mike Dunleavy and medical officials. He is in contact with Warriors medical staff.

The gap shows on the floor. Steve Kerr has leaned on Draymond Green and 40-year-old Al Horford, with Charles Bassey also contributing, while Jimmy Butler recovers from knee surgery.