Warriors lose Porzingis to health issues after $40 million contract

Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis will not play this season after announcing on Friday that he is stepping away from basketball to address an undisclosed health concern.

Porzingis posted the news on his X account, stating that his body did not respond as expected during his ramp-up period. He described himself as doing well but acknowledged that he was not at the performance level he demanded of himself. The 31-year-old did not specify the nature of the medical issue or confirm if he intends to return to professional basketball.

The Warriors signed Porzingis in late June to a two-year contract worth $40 million. The team had fully expected him to be ready for the current campaign following his acquisition in a trade with Atlanta. However, his availability became a point of uncertainty in late September when the club announced he would sit out indefinitely and would not travel to Hawaii for training camp.

In mid-October, the team indicated Porzingis would spend time with staff and players in some capacity while remaining out indefinitely. This followed meetings on October 13 with General Manager Mike Dunleavy and Vice President of Player Health and Performance Dr. Rick Celebrini. A week later, the Warriors reversed their stance, stating he would not be with the team for the immediate future. Coach Steve Kerr provided no further details before the season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Porzingis, who was selected fourth overall by the New York Knicks in the 2015 draft, is on his sixth team in 11 seasons. He noted in his announcement that he intends to work with the Warriors to find a solution that makes sense for both parties. He closed his message by thanking his family and supporters, writing, "Onwards and upwards."