The Golden State Warriors signed Kristaps Porziņģis to a two-year, $40 million extension over the summer, which at first seemed like an overpay for someone who played just 15 games to end last season. But only $3 million of the $20 million he's set to make next season, 2027-28, if he picks up his player option (and why wouldn't he?) is guaranteed.
Structuring the contract in that way helped the Warriors protect themselves from Porziņģis' injury issues by making him trade-eligible immediately. What they didn't envision was that they'd be exploring trades before they play in their first regular-season game.
ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Wednesday, several hours before the Warriors tip off against the Lakers, that Golden State had "started exploring trade routes" for Porziņģis. He didn't participate in training camp or play in the preseason.
The Warriors announced that he'd be out "indefinitely" with a health issue, but that Porziņģis would "remain around the team." The center released a social media statement on Oct. 14, saying he was "working with doctors and experts" and believed he'd be "feeling great again soon." That's a stark contrast to where things are now, just a week later.
Only $3 million of Porzingis' salary next season is guaranteed
Charania reported that Porziņģis is "seriously contemplating his basketball future," meaning he may not play again due to what ESPN's Anthony Slater called a "private health issue." The Warriors reporter added that KP hasn't returned to the facility since last week, when he met with Mike Dunleavy and Rick Celebrini, the team's medical director.
Because of Porziņģis's unfortunate situation, the Warriors don't have many trade routes to explore. Myles Turner may be their best option, but that's only if he's available and the Bucks are willing to take on the $20 million KP will make this season and at least $3 million in 2027-28.
Golden State would have to attach assets to his contract to make it happen, which isn't ideal, but also, the Warriors need another center. Milwaukee is in rebuild mode after trading Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami over the offseason, making it more feasible to trade for a player who may never actually play in a game. But the Bucks, or any other team, may not be willing to do that.
At least Golden State has a shot at making something happen, since it didn't fully guarantee Porziņģis $20 million for next season. If it hadn't structured his contract that way, it may have lost all hope of finding a trade.
The Warriors had no way of knowing that Porziņģis' health situation would play out the way that it has, and it's sad to see things come to this. But they knew the risk and tried to position themselves to handle it if a trade became necessary.
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