The Golden State Warriors aren't making payments on Kristaps Porzingis' $20-million salary during his extended absence due to postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), sources told ESPN's Shams Charania and Anthony Slater.
The Warriors claim Porzingis isn't rendering services during the first year of a two-year, $40-million extension that the Latvian center signed in June, Charania adds. The second year of the agreement is a $20-million player option for 2027-28.
Golden State can move Porzingis' contract prior to the Feb. 11 trade deadline without having to fulfill the financial requirements of his agreement.
Although the Warriors aren't paying Porzingis, his $20-million salary for 2026-27 still counts against their cap and tax apron, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks.
The organization continues to seek trade partners for Porzingis amid concerns that the 31-year-old won't be able to resume his NBA career. The one-time All-Star revealed in October 2025 that he was diagnosed with the autonomic disorder known as POTS, which causes issues with fatigue and high resting heart rates.
Any team that acquires Porzingis via trade won't be required to pay his salary, which could interest suitors looking to dump long-term commitments in favor of an expiring contract.
Golden State acquired the 10-year veteran in February from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for guard Buddy Hield and forward Jonathan Kuminga. He recorded 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 15 contests for the Warriors last season. After Porzingis missed the preseason in October, the organization said he wouldn't be with the team for "the immediate future."
"It has definitely been frustrating dealing with some health stuff that you can't exactly pinpoint, on top of injuries throughout my career, so it has added up, for sure. But we will get through it," Porzingis said on social media at the time. "Health is wealth. Thank you for all the support."
