Could Warriors’ Kristaps Porzingis be headed elsewhere in free agency?

The Warriors acquired Kristaps Porzingis before the trade deadline hoping he could help push them back into contention.

Instead, injuries largely got in the way. Now there’s at least some question as to whether Porzingis will remain in Golden State.

According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, Porzingis ranks among the NBA’s biggest potential free-agent “flight risks” this summer, with several factors potentially complicating a return to the Warriors.

Porzingis battled calf and health issues after arriving in Golden State, limiting his impact. Still, when healthy, he flashed the offensive versatility that has made him one of the league’s more intriguing big men.

The bigger issue may be money. Welcome to NBA free agency, right?

Pincus noted that if the Warriors decide to pursue another major addition — perhaps even LeBron James — they could face significant salary-cap restrictions under the first apron. That could leave Golden State with a much smaller offer for Porzingis than he might find elsewhere.

“The Warriors could seek out LeBron James in free agency to play with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler (when healthy) and Porzingis, but the money gets tight under the first apron should James command the $15 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception,” Pincus wrote. “That could limit Golden State’s offer to Porzingis to closer to $8 million.”

Among the possibilities mentioned by Pincus are a return to Atlanta, where Porzingis played before being traded, or interest from teams such as the Lakers and others searching for size and scoring in the frontcourt.

Today, it’s speculation. But as free agency approaches, Porzingis is unquestionably one of the more interesting names to monitor.

When he can stay on the court, he can be sort of a cheat code. And I find it hard to believe the Warriors would trade for him just to let him walk.