The Kristaps Porzingis contract situation with the Golden State Warriors has taken another unexpected turn, with reports indicating that the franchise has no immediate plans to void the veteran center’s contract despite withholding his salary payments.
Porzingis has yet to appear for the Warriors this season because of an undisclosed illness, creating uncertainty surrounding his future in Golden State. According to reports published on November 4, 2026, the Warriors are not currently paying his $20 million salary for the 2025-26 season because he has not been providing playing services to the organization.
Despite the unusual situation, Golden State reportedly wants to preserve its flexibility ahead of the February 11 NBA trade deadline rather than immediately terminating the agreement.
Why Are the Warriors Withholding Kristaps Porzingis’ Salary?
According to ESPN’s reporting cited by USA TODAY Sports, the Warriors have withheld payments connected to Porzingis’ $20 million salary because he has not been playing or fulfilling his contractual services.
The 31-year-old center informed general manager Mike Dunleavy before training camp that he was stepping away from the team because of an undisclosed illness.
Golden State subsequently indicated that Porzingis would remain around the organization while recovering from his medical condition, although he would not be available to play.
The situation has raised questions about the financial and contractual implications of his absence. His salary continues to count against the Warriors’ salary cap and applicable NBA tax apron calculations, even though the organization is reportedly withholding payments.
Porzingis is reportedly not disputing the lack of payments, adding another unusual element to an already complicated situation.
Warriors Have No Plans to Void Kristaps Porzingis’ Contract
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his playing future, Golden State is reportedly not considering voiding the remainder of Porzingis’ contract at this stage.
According to HoopsHype’s November 4 report, team sources indicated that the Warriors want to maintain their options until the February 11 trade deadline.
Keeping the contract in place could give Golden State additional flexibility when exploring potential trades. Porzingis’ expiring salary could become useful in negotiations with teams looking to adjust their rosters or create financial flexibility.
The Warriors therefore appear interested in keeping their options open rather than making an immediate decision about his contractual status.
Kristaps Porzingis Could Become a Trade Candidate
Porzingis’ uncertain availability has made his future one of the interesting situations to monitor around the NBA.
His two-year, $40 million agreement is scheduled to expire at the end of the current season. The contract includes a player option for the 2027-28 season, although only $3 million of the second-year salary was guaranteed under the reported agreement.
With the February 11 trade deadline approaching, Golden State could explore potential trade opportunities involving the veteran big man.
An acquiring team could potentially use his expiring contract as part of a larger roster or financial transaction, particularly if it wants to create space for another player during a playoff push.
However, Porzingis’ health situation and reported inclination toward retirement could complicate any potential trade discussions.
How Did Kristaps Porzingis Join the Golden State Warriors?
Porzingis arrived in Golden State through a trade with the Atlanta Hawks on February 5, 2026.
The Warriors sent Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta in exchange for the Latvian big man.
Golden State initially saw Porzingis as an important addition because of his size, shooting ability, rim protection and offensive versatility.
However, his time with the Warriors has been limited. He appeared in only 15 games for Golden State and 32 games overall during the 2025-26 season.
Despite his limited availability, the Warriors showed confidence in his potential by agreeing to a two-year, $40 million contract extension in June 2026.
That investment has now become a complicated situation as Porzingis continues to deal with an undisclosed illness.
Kristaps Porzingis’ NBA Career and Statistics
Porzingis has established himself as one of the NBA’s most recognizable international big men during his 12-season career.
He has played for several franchises, including the New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks and Golden State Warriors.
Across his NBA career, Porzingis has averaged approximately 19.5 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.
His combination of size, perimeter shooting and defensive presence has made him a valuable player when healthy.
However, availability has remained an important concern throughout his career, and his current absence has created fresh uncertainty about how much basketball he has left to play.
What Happens Next for Kristaps Porzingis and the Warriors?
The coming weeks could be important in determining Porzingis’ future with Golden State.
The Warriors reportedly want to retain the contract rather than void it, giving the franchise time to evaluate possible trade opportunities before the February 11 deadline.
At the same time, Porzingis’ recovery, willingness to return to basketball and reported retirement considerations will remain important factors.
For now, Golden State appears focused on maintaining flexibility while avoiding an immediate contractual decision.
Whether Porzingis eventually returns to the court, gets traded or moves closer to retirement remains uncertain.
The biggest takeaway: The Warriors are reportedly withholding payments on Kristaps Porzingis’ $20 million salary but have no current plans to void his contract, keeping a potential trade scenario alive ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
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