A few months after the Golden State Warriors acquired Kristaps Porziņgis at the 2026 trade deadline, they re-signed him to a two-year, $40 million deal that includes a $20 million player option in 2027-28. The front office believed he was worth cashing in on (at least somewhat), though they didn't have much to go on because he missed time after the trade and played just 15 regular-season games. What they did see from him was enough to convince them to roll the dice.
Unfortunately for Porziņģis, the Warriors were reminded of the risks of that move before they even left for training camp in Hawaii. He's out indefinitely with a health issue. Mike Dunleavy said that didn't mean KP would be "out to start the season or anything like that," but that "he's just not available this week."
Well, it doesn't seem like he will be available this week, either.
With Golden State preparing to play its second preseason game against the Lakers on Tuesday night, ESPN's Anthony Slater reported that the center's "timetable remains indefinite." He didn't specifically say what health issue Porziņģis is dealing with (we know that he was diagnosed with POTS when he was with the Celtics), but it's clearly serious.
With the Warriors set to begin the regular season in two weeks, it's starting to look like there is a real chance Porziņģis may not be able to play.
Warriors knew what keeping Porzingis meant
Golden State knew what it was getting into by re-signing Porziņgis, as his salary for this season was partially guaranteed for $3 million. It became fully guaranteed on July 7, and the same goes for next season, so even if (more like when) he picks up his player option, the Warriors won't be on the hook for $20 million if he's still in town.
Porziņģis arrived in the Bay last season in good spirits, and after missing a couple of weeks to recover from Achilles tendinitis and an illness, he made his Warriors debut against the Celtics, finishing with 12 points in 17 minutes. Hopes were high after that, but shortly before Golden State's next game against Denver, the center was ruled out with an illness.
He returned to play in 16 of the Warriors' final 21 games of the season, which is what helped convince Golden State to re-sign him, but that didn't erase his availability concerns. Even when things seem to be going well for him, as they were entering preseason, things can quickly change.
There is no update on when Porzingis will return
Without knowing what health issue Porziņģis is dealing with, you can't guess when he'll be back. The Warriors are respecting his privacy by giving him the time and space that he needs, which is all they can do.
Dunleavy said the team felt "comfortable" about where they were at with Porziņģis entering the season, but again, that could change because of his extended absence. If he returns, he'll need a ramp-up period. And when he does play, Steve Kerr will have to be mindful of his minutes.
Golden State didn't see this exact scenario happening when it re-signed him over the summer, but it knew from its experience with him and his time in the NBA that he struggled to stay on the floor. That's why the Hawks traded him after he appeared in just 17 games, and it could be why the Warriors ultimately have to move on from him.
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