Kristaps Porzingis Steps Away From NBA, Cites Health Struggles

Kristaps Porziņģis has announced he is stepping away from basketball to prioritize his health, bringing an abrupt end to his season with the Golden State Warriors. In an emotional statement posted to his X account on Friday, the 31-year-old center revealed that his body did not respond as anticipated during his ramp-up to training camp, according to the New York Post ^[1]. "I’m doing good, but I know what it takes, and I’m not where I want to be to perform at the level that I expect from myself," Porziņģis wrote, signaling a pause rather than a definitive retirement. ESPN reported that despite the announcement, this is not an official retirement, leaving the door open for future involvement ^[2].

The decision comes after Porziņģis was diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) in 2025, a condition that has kept him absent from the Warriors for the entire season. The New York Post noted that he had considered stepping away several weeks ago before making the final call ^[1]. His departure began quietly; two days before the team’s first practice, he called general manager Mike Dunleavy to say he would not report. Although the Warriors allowed him two weeks of distance and later held a meeting in early October, Porziņģis chose to leave the team again, as detailed by ESPN ^[2].

Financially, the situation is complex. Golden State has not been paying Porziņģis his $20 million salary for this season, ruling that he is "not rendering services." Neither Porziņģis nor the players' association is contesting this decision, according to ESPN ^[2]. However, the Warriors have no plan to void his contract. Instead, they intend to use his salary cap value in a potential trade leading up to the February deadline, per team and league sources cited by ESPN. This move could help improve a Warriors squad that currently holds a 6-3 record and is riding a six-game win streak.

Porziņģis remains amenable to a trade, potentially becoming an attractive asset for teams looking to shed longer-term salaries or save immediate money. His deal includes only $3 million guaranteed for next season, and he is anticipated to be open to a post-trade buyout, which would offer significant financial flexibility to any acquiring team. His health issues stem from a viral illness contracted in Boston two seasons ago, compounded by leg injuries over his 11-year career, as noted by ESPN ^[2]. For now, Porziņģis emphasizes respect and collaboration, stating he wants to work with the Warriors to find a solution that makes sense for everyone involved. The next steps remain uncertain as he navigates this crossroads, but his commitment to his well-being is clear.