Kristaps Porziņģis steps away from Golden State Warriors to prioritize health

Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porziņģis announced that he is stepping away from the team in a statement posted on social media on Friday, citing ongoing physical challenges. The 31-year-old player has not appeared in any games for Golden State during the current campaign due to lingering effects from postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.

In his statement, Porziņģis explained that his body did not respond the way he anticipated as he prepared for the season, leading to his decision to prioritize his health. He expressed appreciation to his family, supporters, and the organization while indicating an intention to work with the franchise toward a solution.

The center was initially acquired by Golden State in a February trade with the Atlanta Hawks. Following that transition, his appearances were limited to 15 games down the stretch of the 2025-26 season before he signed a two-year, $40 million contract to remain with the team in June.

Ahead of the current campaign, Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. stated on September 28 that Porziņģis would be sidelined indefinitely at the start of training camp. The franchise subsequently confirmed on October 14 that the player would remain away from the court indefinitely due to a health-related matter.

Reports emerged this week indicating that the organization was withholding semimonthly payments on his salary and exploring potential trade options. Sources noted that the player was not actively disputing the withheld payments and the National Basketball Players Association had no plans to challenge the decision.

Throughout his career, Porziņģis began with the New York Knicks, earning an All-Star selection in 2018 before sustaining a torn ACL that caused him to miss the 2018-19 season. Subsequent stops included the Dallas Mavericks and other franchises, followed by a championship victory as a key starter with the Boston Celtics in 2024. The Warriors currently hold a 6-3 record this season as they navigate the roster implications of his departure.