Warriors not considering voiding Kristaps Porzingis’ contract

The Warriors need help at center. They also need some clarity on Kristaps Porzingis. Right now, they’re still waiting on both.

But simply voiding his contract isn’t a solution they’re pursuing.

According to Danny Emerman of The San Francisco Standard, a team source indicated that voiding Porzingis’ deal is not currently under consideration. The report also notes that it’s unclear whether his absence is considered excused or unexcused.

Porzingis has been away from team activities since informing the Warriors of a health issue shortly before training camp. Details remain private, and there is no timetable for his return.

In the meantime, the Warriors have games to play. Draymond Green and Al Horford are handling work at center, with Charles Bassey and two-way big man Graham Ike also in the mix.

“We got what we got,” Green said, via Emerman. “So, got to make it do what it do. I’m comfortable playing the five. Al’s comfortable playing the five.”

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A trade remains possible. Finding one that helps is another matter.

Emerman reports that Porzingis has just $3 million guaranteed for next season, potentially making his contract useful to a team looking to shed longer-term salary. But the Warriors could have to include draft picks or accept future money to get a useful player back.

They also have very little financial room to maneuver, sitting roughly $300,000 below a second-apron hard cap, per the report.

Cutting Porzingis wouldn’t simply erase the money owed, either. A buyout would require an agreement, and Emerman notes that Porzingis has $23 million in guaranteed salary remaining.

That leaves the Warriors trying to solve two problems at once. Namely, finding someone who can help now and preserving a contract they could use to make a trade. Giving up that salary slot without getting a player back could make filling the hole at center even harder.

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