The Golden State Warriors have stopped paying Kristaps Porzingis his $20 million salary as the veteran center continues his extended absence from the team, according to ESPN.
The Warriors are withholding Porzingis’ twice-monthly payments on the grounds that he is no longer providing his services, with the 31-year-old reportedly considering walking away from basketball altogether.
Despite the situation, Golden State has no immediate plans to terminate his contract, with general manager Mike Dunleavy continuing to explore potential trades ahead of the February 11 deadline, according to ESPN’s league sources.
Porzingis signed a two-year, $40 million extension with the Warriors during the offseason, although just $3 million of his second-year salary is guaranteed.
The deal came after two seasons disrupted by ongoing health problems, but his latest absence has created an increasingly complicated situation for the franchise.
Porzingis contacted Dunleavy shortly before training camp to inform the organization he would be stepping away from the team.
Golden State initially allowed him time away, expecting the veteran to eventually return to the facility and continue working with the team’s medical staff.
An October meeting involving Dunleavy and lead medical decision-maker Rick Celebrini appeared to signal progress, with the Warriors subsequently announcing that Porzingis would be around the organization.
However, that arrangement was short-lived.
Porzingis left the facility and has not returned, prompting Golden State to change his official designation from “general illness” to “not with team.”
The change is significant, with the Warriors no longer treating his absence as excused.
Interestingly, Porzingis has not challenged the withheld payments, and the National Basketball Players Association reportedly has no intention of disputing the decision either, according to ESPN.
Golden State could still use his contract in a trade, potentially helping another franchise shed longer-term salary or create additional roster flexibility.
For now, the Warriors are keeping their options open rather than removing Porzingis from their books entirely.
Meanwhile, Golden State has found some momentum without him, winning five consecutive games after beginning the season with three straight losses.
Whether Porzingis returns to the NBA remains uncertain, but his contract could still play a role in the Warriors’ plans before the trade deadline.
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