Kristaps Porzingis Steps Away From Basketball as Warriors Weigh Trades
Kristaps Porzingis is stepping away from basketball to prioritize his health, though the Golden State Warriors are still exploring potential trades for the center ahead of the February deadline.
Latvian center Kristaps Porzingis announced that he is taking a break from basketball to focus on his health after dealing with prolonged medical issues. Despite the hiatus, the Golden State Warriors are reportedly continuing to explore trade options involving the player.
Porzingis, 31, has not played this season, having missed training camp and preseason games due to health concerns. Although he was previously diagnosed with POTS syndrome—a condition that causes accelerated heart rate when standing—the Warriors have not publicly confirmed this as the cause for his current absence.
In a statement released overnight, Porzingis explained that his body could not keep up with the demands of preparation. "I really looked forward to playing this season with this group, but as I ramped up my training, my body didn't respond the way I expected," he wrote. "I feel good, but I know what it takes to play at the highest level, and I'm not yet where I want to be. At this point, I've decided to put my health first and take a step back from the game I love so much."
Porzingis clarified that this is not a retirement announcement and expressed a desire to work with the Warriors management to find a mutually acceptable solution. Behind the scenes, however, Golden State is continuing to evaluate potential trades. According to ESPN's Anthony Slater, Porzingis's announcement does not change his status as a potential trade asset, and the Warriors retain the option to move his contract before the February 11 trade deadline.
Porzingis's salary of approximately $20 million continues to count against the team's salary cap, even though the Warriors are not paying him during his absence. This financial factor could make his expiring contract attractive to teams looking to clear cap space. Porzingis originally arrived in Golden State from the Atlanta Hawks prior to the trade deadline last season.
