Golden State Warriors Big Man Kristaps Porziņģis to 'Step Away' From NBA Indefinitely

In a statement released Friday, recently re-signed Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porziņģis acknowledged lingering health issues will keep him away from the NBA indefinitely. Porziņģis expressed his willingness to "find a solution that makes sense" in relation to a trade and buy-out. As NBC Bay Area reports , Porziņģis and the Warriors are expected to explore trade options for the veteran big man over the next few months. This news follows turmoil between the two sides with Porziņģis essentially AWOL from the team since late September. Adding to the drama is the two-year, $40 million extension the former All-Star signed with the Warriors over the off-season. No stranger to lingering health issues, Porziņģis previously disclosed a diagnosis of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome aka POTS during his 2024-25 season with the Boston Celtics. Whether that illness or separate concerns led to his current decision to put his career on hold remains unclear. 🙏🏼 https://t.co/d0UoELOmye — Kristaps Porzingis (@kporzee) November 6, 2026 It's a situation that has continued to unfold to the public in largely mysterious fashion. Since re-signing with the Warriors over the summer, Porziņģis has been away from the team. Last month, ESPN's Sham Charania confirmed that Golden State was looking at trade options. Earlier this week, the NBA insider reported that the Warriors have been withholding payments to Porziņģis for failure to render services. This unfortunate turn arrives less than a month after Porziņģis posted a hopeful update on his health, suggesting an imminent, if unspecified, return. Now the future is unclear for the former No. 4 overall pick, who will likely be traded within the next two months as the Warriors look to improve a roster that's defied expectations by winning their last six games behind the ageless wonder that is Stephen Curry. Related : Warriors Ink Team-Friendly Extension With Superstar Point Guard Stephen Curry