Warriors stop paying Kristaps Porzingis, but still want to trade him

November 4, 2026

The Warriors are withholding Kristaps Porzingis’ salary. They’re still trying to trade his contract.

That pretty much tells you where this situation stands. The team needs help on the court, and Porzingis’ deal remains one way to potentially get it.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania and Anthony Slater, the Warriors contend that Porzingis isn’t providing the services required by his contract. ESPN’s Bobby Marks puts the resulting salary deduction at approximately $218,341 per missed game.

Porzingis remains out indefinitely with an undisclosed health issue and is “leaning toward” retirement, per ESPN. He hasn’t been at the team’s facilities since early October, and the Warriors had expected him to spend more time around teammates and the medical staff.

The details of his current condition remain private. That leaves plenty outsiders can’t assess about his absence, even as the financial consequences become clearer.

Porzingis isn’t actively contesting the withheld payments, according to ESPN. And Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reports that three sources believe he would have strong interest in a buyout that lets him keep some of his salary.

The Warriors, though, have a reason to keep exploring trades first. A buyout could save money. A trade could bring back someone who plays.

As previously reported, voiding the contract isn’t currently part of the plan. ESPN reports that remains the case.

Porzingis is owed $20 million this season and holds a $20 million player option for next season, with just $3 million guaranteed. That limited future commitment could appeal to a team looking to shed longer-term money.

But the Warriors don’t want to inherit just any contract to resolve this one.

Fischer reports that they’ve inquired about Bulls big man Jalen Smith, whose $9.4 million deal is expiring. Their interest in Myles Turner is more limited, with Golden State wanting an additional asset from the Bucks to absorb his remaining contract.

That’s a reasonable distinction. The Warriors need frontcourt help, but taking on years of salary for the wrong player could create another problem.

Five straight wins have given them some breathing room after an 0-3 start. They’re finding ways to play without Porzingis. The next question is whether they can turn his contract into someone who helps them keep winning.