- May 21, 2026
- 0
- 0
SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
The Golden State Warriors have begun withholding salary from center Kristaps Porzingis, arguing he is not fulfilling his contractual obligations, according to Shams Charania and Anthony Slater of ESPN.
The team is docking Porzingis $218,341 per missed game, which equals 1/91.6th of his $20 million salary for 2026/27. The 31-year-old has been ruled out indefinitely with an undisclosed health issue and has not appeared at the team's facilities since early October. His injury report designation was recently changed to "not with team."
Porzingis, who signed a two-year, $40 million extension in July, has previously been diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Sources indicate he is now leaning toward retirement.
Golden State continues exploring trade options ahead of the February 11 deadline. Porzingis is immediately trade-eligible due to his extension structure. The Warriors have inquired about Chicago's Jalen Smith but shown limited interest in multiyear contracts like Myles Turner's unless accompanied by significant assets.
Despite Porzingis' absence, Golden State has won five consecutive games after dropping its first three.
Mickey's Angle: The Warriors are protecting their books while keeping trade flexibility alive—watch whether Porzingis files a grievance or pursues a buyout, as that timeline could force Golden State's hand before December 16.
Source: Hoops Rumors (also reported by ESPN) - written by Mickey the Mouth from the original report.