It’s the third week of the NBA season, and Kristaps Porzingis continues to be away with the Golden State Warriors.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania and Anthony Slater, the Warriors are reportedly withholding payments to Porzingis for not rendering his services.
Porzingis initially signed a two-year, $40 million contract to stay with the Warriors last summer. However, he failed to report for training camp and has been absent since a brief meeting with the front office and medical team before the start of the season.
Al Horford on Kristaps Porzingis
Speaking to reporters after Wednesday’s practice, Golden State Warriors big man Al Horford shared a personal update on Kristaps Porzingis.
They are in communication via text, but Horford won’t be providing any insight on what’s happening out of respect for his teammate, as reported by Joseph Dycus of The Mercury News.
“Al Horford says he’s been able to text Kristaps Porzingis, but that he has to ‘respect what’s going on and wait for him to say what he has to say,’” Dycus tweeted.
Horford and Porzingis were teammates with the Boston Celtics for two seasons. They won a title together in 2024.
In a separate article by Dycus, Horford further explained that he supports Porzingis amid his current ordeal and wishes nothing but the best for the 31-year-old star.
“I’ve been able to touch base with him a little bit, not very much, some texts here or there,” Horford, who played with Porzingis in Boston, said. “That’s really it. It’s been a few weeks now.”
Citing sources close to Porzingis and the NBPA, Dycus reported that the union is not planning to challenge the Warriors’ decision to withhold the player’s salary for not rendering his services.
Despite not making payments, Porzingis’ salary for the 2026-27 season will continue to count against the Warriors’ salary cap.
Golden State’s Plan for Kristaps Porzingis
ESPN’s Shams Charania and Anthony Slater reported that the Golden State Warriors are not planning to void Kristaps Porzingis’ contract.
General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. is exploring potential trades ahead of the February 11 deadline.
For opposing teams, Porzingis’ contract will allow them to part ways with a long-term contract to save money and acquire additional assets.
The second year of Porzingis’ deal is only guaranteed for $3 million, which makes it an even more attractive trade asset.
Warriors’ Al Horford Shares Personal Kristaps Porzingis Update