The Golden State Warriors have “begun exploring trade routes” involving veteran center Kristaps Porziņģis, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
Charania added that Porziņģis is “seriously considering his future in basketball” due to the lingering effects of his postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.
In a statement, the Warriors said they “will not comment on trade speculation or reports regarding his health or future.”
The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported Wednesday that the Warriors have contacted the Milwaukee Bucks about a potential trade for Porziņģis. However, the Bucks “don’t appear to have any interest” in the veteran.
The 31-year-old is effectively on an expiring contract. He’s making $20 million for the 2026-27 season and only $3 million of his $20 million in 2027-28 is guaranteed.
This will help Golden State’s efforts to move a player who might be completely done in the league. His contract could give a team additional flexibility next summer in free agency.
The Warriors also have assets that can sweeten the deal. Depending on how far they’re willing to go in the future, one of their premier players could be very valuable as we head into a post-Stephen Curry era.
Porziņģis averaged 16.1 points and 5.3 rebounds following his midseason trade to Golden State. His three-point shots (31.1%), however, left something to be desired.
The front office and coaching staff had high expectations for the 2017-18 All-Star. His skill set fit the roster well and he had a full offseason to get more accustomed to his surroundings.
Instead, ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported that “team sources describe a detached Porziņģis as indifferent and uninterested in participating in scrimmages and intense on-field preparation work” during a session hosted by Jimmy Butler last month.
Porziņģis has taken leave for an indefinite period.
Especially when Butler is such a wild card after a torn ACL, the Warriors can’t afford to get anything on the court with a $20 million salary.
With all the factors at play, it’s unlikely Golden State can turn Porziņģis into a major player unless general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. is willing to give up multiple first-round picks. Dunleavy might at least be able to draft someone who can slot into the frontcourt and be a close facsimile of the Latvian big.
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