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Warriors and Kristaps Porzingis look for a solution after he steps away from basketball
Porzingis has around $20 million on the books this year and only $3 million guaranteed next season, and the Warriors are talking trades before the February 11 deadline.
Porzingis steps away
Kristaps Porzingis announced that he is stepping away from basketball, and the news lands on a Warriors team that has won six straight games. [1][2] He made the announcement on Friday and said he is working with the Warriors to find a solution to their current situation. [2]
In a post on X, Porzingis said he is not feeling fully healthy. [2] His status is not a formal retirement, and the team and Porzingis are trying to find a solution that makes sense. [1]
How the situation developed
The Warriors' status with Porzingis began in preseason. His status went from unknown to something related to his illness, and then to a fully agnostic outlook from coach Steve Kerr. [1]
Golden State was widely reported to be withholding Porzingis's pay, citing a failure to render services. [1]
The contract and the trade market
Porzingis has around $20 million on the books this year and only a small guarantee next year. [1] That guarantee is $3 million on his contract next season. [1]
Porzingis is amenable to a trade. [1] According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, the Warriors have engaged in trade conversations with the Milwaukee Bucks about a possible swap of Porzingis for Myles Turner. [2] The NBA trade deadline is February 11. [1]
Golden State is looking for a player in the $15-20 million range, either alone or paired with other players to match salaries. [1] The Warriors have been reluctant to attach future first-round picks or take on long-term salary in trades. [1]
Kerr and the Warriors on the court
Steve Kerr said his focus is on the players who are currently with the team. [1] That group opened the season 0-3, then won six straight games to reach 6-3. [2]
The Warriors were scheduled to host the Orlando Magic (2-6) on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 5:30pm PDT. [1] Paolo Banchero rolled his ankle in the Magic's season opener. [1]
Draymond Green (elbow) and Gary Payton (calf) joined Gui Santos on the Warriors' Questionable list. [1] Green was listed as questionable due to right elbow inflammation/soreness. [2]
Stephen Curry was averaging 29.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.3 steals over seven games. [2] The Warriors' next game after the Magic is against the Pelicans, closing out a home stand. [1]
What it means for you
If you follow the Warriors, the Porzingis situation is a contract and trade matter, since his status is not a formal retirement. [1] Watch the Bucks talks, which Brett Siegel reported as a possible swap of Porzingis for Myles Turner. [2]
Keep the February 11 trade deadline in mind. [1] Look for a return in the $15-20 million range and for whether Golden State attaches future first-round picks or takes on long-term salary, since the team has been reluctant to do either. [1]
For game days, check the Questionable list, which includes Green, Payton and Santos. [1]
Sources
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