Kristaps Porzingis Steps Away Indefinitely From Basketball

The move has left the Warriors withholding his pay and marketing his expiring $20 million salary as a possible trade or buyout asset.

Overview

Porzingis announced on Friday that he is stepping away from the game to prioritize his physical health after his body failed to respond during season ramp‑up.
Coach Steve Kerr said he exchanged texts with Porzingis and publicly offered best wishes but gave no new medical details.
Golden State has withheld Porzingis’ semimonthly payment for the 2026–27 $20 million salary on the basis that he has not been rendering services.
The Warriors have cleared Porzingis’ locker, kept his two‑year, $40 million deal on the books, and are marketing the expiring $20 million slot as a trade or buyout asset ahead of the Feb. 11 deadline.
On the court the team abandoned a Porzingis‑centered five‑out plan for smaller lineups that expanded minutes for veterans and young bigs and coincided with a multi‑game turnaround, and the NBPA is aware of the roster and pay moves with a grievance possible.