Warriors Explore Trade for Porzingis Amid Health Crisis

The Golden State Warriors have initiated discussions about potential trades involving veteran center Kristaps Porzingis, despite his indefinite absence due to a private health condition, according to ESPN ^[2]. The team issued a statement declining to address trade speculation or details about Porzingis’ health, reaffirming that ongoing conversations with him and his representatives remain confidential ^[1].

Porzingis, who signed a two-year, $40 million contract extension in June with only $3 million of the second-year salary guaranteed, has not returned to the team’s San Francisco facility since meeting with general manager Mike Dunleavy and lead medical executive Rick Celebrini on October 13 ^[2]. League sources confirm he is currently on another indefinite leave, communicating only with team medical and front office staff.

Although Porzingis attended a player-led event in San Diego in late September, team sources described him as detached and disengaged from on-court activities ^[2]. He informed the Warriors on the Sunday before training camp that he was still coping with a health issue that has persisted for nearly two years, prompting his leave of absence.

Porzingis has linked his symptoms to a diagnosis of POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), which he said originated after contracting an upper respiratory virus while playing for the Boston Celtics two seasons prior ^[2]. He has cited ongoing fatigue, dizziness, and brain fog, and recently posted on X stating he is improving but must remain patient ^[1].

Despite being expected to start alongside Draymond Green and rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, Porzingis did not participate in training camp or preseason games ^[2]. The Warriors listed him as “not with team” for the season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers, without citing an illness.

If his health does not improve, sources tell ESPN that stepping away from basketball permanently is a real possibility ^[2]. The Warriors, however, still hold a strong roster of draft picks and expiring contracts, and GM Dunleavy has publicly indicated openness to in-season trades if the right opportunity arises.

The outcome remains unclear, as the team maintains its stance on privacy while the league monitors the situation closely.