The Golden State Warriors are withholding payments on Kristaps Porziņģis's $20 million salary as the former All-Star remains away from the team due to undisclosed health issues. Porziņģis signed a two‑year, $40 million contract over the summer that includes a $3 million guarantee for the 2027‑28 season, but he has yet to appear in a game for Golden State.
Porziņģis has been dealing with health problems since the end of his tenure with the Boston Celtics. He previously disclosed a diagnosis of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), though that diagnosis has been disputed. Warriors coach Steve Kerr initially referenced comments from Atlanta Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh questioning the POTS diagnosis, then walked back those remarks days later.
The 28‑year‑old center has been absent since late September. After a mid‑October meeting with general manager Mike Dunleavy and vice president of player health and performance Rick Celebrini, the team announced he would be "around the team," but he has not been publicly present. In an October statement, Porziņģis said he is working with doctors to return to full health and emphasized he does not have HIV or AIDS.
NBA players are typically paid regardless of health status, but teams may withhold salary if they believe a player is in breach of contract. A notable precedent occurred with Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2021‑22 season, which ended in a settlement after Simmons was traded to the Brooklyn Nets.
Golden State is actively attempting to trade Porziņģis, leveraging his $20 million cap figure as an expiring contract with only the small $3 million guarantee for next season. While his health status eliminates on‑court trade value, the contract could appeal to teams seeking to offload longer‑term commitments, especially if the Warriors attach draft picks.
Despite Porziņģis's absence, the Warriors have started the season 5‑3, fueled by Stephen Curry's strong play and the emergence of rookie Yaxel Lendeborg as a foundational contributor. Porziņģis's skill set — a center who can shoot three‑pointers — would complement Draymond Green's limited perimeter shooting, but a trade appears the only realistic path for the franchise to capitalize on the situation.
