The Warriors would prefer to turn Kristaps Porzingis’ contract into somebody who can help. Getting to that point is proving considerably harder than identifying the need.
Team sources continue to express little optimism that Porzingis will play another game for Golden State, according to Anthony Slater of ESPN.
The situation now extends beyond his availability. Slater reports that the Warriors expected Porzingis to remain around the team while sidelined by a health issue. Instead, he hasn’t returned to their facilities since early October.
Golden State purposefully changed his injury-report designation from “general illness” to “not with team,” and his absence can “no longer be described as excused,” Slater writes.
Internally, the Warriors have discussed whether to deem the absence a failure to render services, potentially pursuing salary recovery or attempting to void his contract.
That would be a complicated route, with the possibility of a prolonged dispute involving Porzingis and the players’ union. It also wouldn’t suddenly give Golden State cap space to replace him.
RELATED | Warriors face tough market for Kristaps Porzingis
The preferred solution is a trade, Slater reports. The Warriors previously used De’Anthony Melton’s contract, along with second-round picks, to acquire Dennis Schroder after Melton suffered a torn ACL in 2024.
But finding a willing partner this early is another matter. Slater reports there are currently no viable trade options, leaving Golden State prepared to wait for a market to develop.
The Warriors have a contract they’d like to move and a roster they’d like to improve. They still need another team to see something worthwhile on its end.
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