Golden State Warriors big man Kristaps Porziņģis announced on Friday that he is stepping away from basketball to focus on his health as he deals with ongoing health issues. It remains uncertain when, or if, the 31-year-old player will return to the court.
Health Issues and Career Challenges
Porziņģis has not played for the Warriors this current season, and recent reports indicate the team is withholding payments from him. He signed a two-year, $40 million contract with Golden State during the summer in free agency, though the second year of the deal carries only a $3 million guarantee.
In his official statement announcing the decision, Porziņģis explained that his body did not respond the way he anticipated as he ramped up for the season, noting that he is not at the performance level he expects from himself. He added that he wants to show respect for the organization and work toward a sensible solution.
Throughout his career, Porziņģis has faced numerous health problems, playing more than 57 games in a single season just three times since being drafted fourth overall by the New York Knicks in 2015. His major injuries include a torn ACL that forced him to miss the entire 2018-19 season. More recently, he has been hampered by a mysterious illness that first surfaced in Boston during the 2024-25 season.
He previously disclosed a diagnosis of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS, which causes extreme fatigue and dizziness due to rapid heart rate changes when standing up. Reflecting on the condition previously, Porziņģis described experiencing extreme exhaustion where he could only lie on the couch.
Absence and Future Impact
Over the past three seasons playing for the Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, and Warriors, Porziņģis has appeared in a total of just 74 games. He has been away from Golden State since late September, previously issuing a statement in mid-October to deny rumors regarding his health and clarify that he was working with medical experts.
The Warriors initially expected Porziņģis to serve as a key floor-spacing big man, particularly with Jimmy Butler sidelined by a torn ACL and Moses Moody out with a torn patellar tendon. According to CBS Sports reporting, the franchise has explored trading Porziņģis and his $20 million cap figure, utilizing his expiring contract status to assist with team roster maneuvering.
Despite his absence, the Warriors have opened the season with a 6-3 record, placing them seventh in the Western Conference standings. Rookie big man Yaxel Lendeborg has stepped into the rotation in his absence, averaging 21 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.1 steals across the first nine games while shooting 49.2% from the field.
