Warriors Pause $20M Salary for Absent Center Kristaps Porzingis

The Golden State Warriors are withholding $20 million in salary payments from Kristaps Porzingis this season. League sources confirmed the team paused semimonthly deposits after determining the 31-year-old center is not actively rendering services. The payment hold remains in place until his official status changes.

Porzingis signed a two-year contract extension worth $40 million this summer. Only $3 million of the second year is guaranteed. He joined the squad after dealing with health issues for the prior two seasons. Just before training camp started, Porzingis told general manager Mike Dunleavy he would step away from the team. The organization initially granted him space but expected him to return to the facility to work with teammates and medical staff.

The arrangement fell apart in early October. Porzingis met with Dunleavy and Rick Celebrini, the team's lead medical decision-maker. Following that discussion, the Warriors issued a statement saying Porzingis would be present with the group. He attended briefly but then left the facility and has not returned. The team changed his roster designation from out with a general illness to not with team.

The Warriors do not plan to void the contract outright. Front office executives are actively exploring trade opportunities. They seek a partner to absorb his near-expiring salary, which would give other franchises financial flexibility or a roster spot. A rival team might also receive a draft asset if the Warriors include one in the deal. Porzingis reportedly leans toward ending his NBA career.

League sources indicated Porzingis is not disputing the decision to pause his paychecks. The situation mirrors a precedent set by the Miami Heat last season. The Heat withheld payments from Terry Rozier while he was under federal investigation in a gambling scandal. They also explored trade avenues for his contract during that period.

The Warriors maintain their trade flexibility until the February 11 deadline. The team has won five consecutive games after opening the season with a 0-3 record. The roster has performed well without Porzingis on the court.

The organization continues to monitor Porzingis's status. No further announcements have been made regarding a trade or a potential buyout.