Is the Warriors’ pay freeze justified? The franchise says big man Kristaps Porzingis isn’t providing the services outlined in his contract, according to sources Shams Charania and ESPN’s Anthony Slater.
Each missed game costs Porzingis $218,341 – exactly 1/91.6th of his $20 million 2026/27 salary, per ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
Early‑season reports showed Golden State scouting trade options for Porzingis, who remains sidelined indefinitely by an undisclosed health issue and is reportedly mulling retirement.
Charania and Slater note the salary hold doesn’t cripple the front office’s trade maneuvering. The team has no intention of voiding his contract, ESPN adds.
Slater recalled the Warriors expected Porzingis to frequent their facilities during rehab, mingling with teammates and medical staff. He said the absence can no longer be labeled excused and that injury reports now list him as “not with team.” The 31‑year‑old hasn’t been seen at the arena since early October.
Porzingis has missed large stretches over the past two seasons due to non‑injury health concerns, revealing last fall a diagnosis of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Neither side has disclosed details, yet the condition appears severe enough that he’s “leaning toward” retirement, sources say.
While clubs may withhold pay for unmet service obligations, players can contest via the NBPA. The Sixers’ 2021/22 dispute with Ben Simmons, who missed time because of a holdout and back injury, ended in a settlement after he sued for nearly $20 million. In my view, the Warriors risk alienating talent by taking this route.
Porzingis isn’t challenging the fines, league insiders tell ESPN, and NBPA officials appear to be following his lead. Three sources told Jake Fischer of The Stein Line that the former fourth‑overall pick would likely prefer a buyout letting him keep part of his $20 million salary rather than endure per‑game penalties.
The Latvian signed a two‑year, $40 million extension this summer, with a $20 million player option for 2027/28 that is only $3 million guaranteed. That pseudo‑expiring deal makes him move‑eligible before the Feb. 11 deadline, and because he extended rather than walked free, Golden State can act now.
Few clubs want to revamp rosters this early, so patience may be required. Fischer notes the Warriors hope to seal a Porzingis trade by Dec. 16, the cut‑off for acquiring a contract that can be re‑aggregated before February’s deadline. Golden State pulled a similar stunt in 2024/25, swapping Dennis Schröder for De’Anthony Melton on Dec. 15 and later bundling Schröder’s salary into the Jimmy Butler blockbuster.
According to Fischer, the Warriors shy away from a hefty multiyear deal that would choke their 2027 cap space unless a clear upgrade arrives. Though the Bucks are rumored as trade partners, Golden State’s interest in Myles Turner – who carries $83.6 million over three years – is limited without a sweetener from Milwaukee.
One name the Warriors have queried is Chicago forward/center Jalen Smith, whose expiring $9.4 million contract could fit their timeline. Yet the Bulls, now sitting 1‑6 under the new lottery format, may be reluctant to become sellers so early.
In Porzingis’ void, the Warriors have leaned on Al Horford, Charles Bassey, Draymond Green and Graham Ike up front, turning a 0‑3 start into a five‑game winning streak. Can Golden State finally move the Latvian before the deadline?