The Golden State Warriors are reportedly exploring trade options for Kristaps Porzingis, with the veteran center’s NBA future increasingly uncertain.
Porzingis remains away from the team indefinitely while dealing with an ongoing health issue that has led him to consider stepping away from basketball permanently, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The Warriors addressed the situation Wednesday, making it clear they would not discuss potential trade negotiations or Porzingis’ health publicly.
“As noted last week, conversations between the Warriors, Kristaps, and his representatives will remain private,” the team said in a statement. “We are not anticipating Kristaps being around the team in the immediate future. We’ll provide additional updates when available and appropriate.”
Porzingis signed a two-year, $40 million extension with Golden State in June, although only $3 million of his $20 million salary next season is guaranteed.
The contract was structured to allow the Warriors to trade him immediately if necessary, rather than waiting until December.
However, a trade was never the original plan.
Golden State had expected Porzingis to become its starting center alongside Draymond Green and rookie Yaxel Lendeborg after he appeared in 15 of the team’s final 20 games last season.
Those plans changed when Porzingis informed general manager Mike Dunleavy shortly before training camp that he needed an indefinite leave of absence.
The 31-year-old has dealt with lingering health complications since contracting an upper respiratory virus during his time with Boston nearly two years ago.
Porzingis has previously described his condition as POTS, which can cause fatigue, dizziness and other symptoms.
“It has definitely been frustrating dealing with some health stuff that you can’t exactly pinpoint, on top of injuries throughout my career,” Porzingis wrote on X last week. “So it has added up for sure, but we will get through it.”
Porzingis met with Dunleavy and team medical official Rick Celebrini on October 13, but has not returned to the team’s facility since, according to Charania.
With no clear timeline for his return, Golden State now faces the possibility of moving the veteran before he plays another game for the franchise.
The Warriors have several expiring contracts and valuable draft assets available, giving Dunleavy flexibility to pursue a deal if the right opportunity emerges.
READ MORE: JJ Redick Reveals Biggest Concern Ahead of Lakers’ New Era