Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porziņģis announced Friday that he is stepping away from basketball to focus on his health. The 31-year-old, who signed a two-year, $40 million contract with the Warriors this summer, has not played this season and the team has reportedly withheld payments. The second year of his deal carries only a $3 million guarantee.
In a statement, Porziņģis said his body did not respond as anticipated as he ramped up for the season. He expressed respect for the Warriors organization and gratitude to his family and fans. The franchise had hoped he would provide floor-spacing while Jimmy Butler (torn ACL) and Moses Moody (torn patellar tendon) remain sidelined.
Porziņģis' career has been marked by health challenges. Since being drafted fourth overall by the New York Knicks in 2015, he has played more than 57 games in only three seasons. A torn ACL cost him the entire 2018-19 campaign. More recently, he has dealt with a mysterious illness that first surfaced during the 2024-25 season with the Boston Celtics, leading to a diagnosis of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), which causes rapid heart rate changes upon standing and can result in exhaustion and dizziness.
The Warriors have been exploring trade options for Porziņģis, whose $20 million cap figure could serve as matching salary for a team looking to offload longer-term contracts. His expiring deal with a minimal guarantee for next season may hold value in such scenarios. Porziņģis has been away from the team since late September and previously denied rumors regarding an HIV or AIDS diagnosis.
Despite his absence, Golden State has started the season 6-3, placing seventh in the Western Conference. Rookie big man Yaxel Lendeborg has emerged as a significant contributor, averaging 21 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.1 steals over nine games while shooting 49.2% from the field and 39.6% from three-point range.
