The Golden State Warriors signed Kristaps Porziņģis during the offseason, bringing in a familiar face to strengthen their frontcourt. There was little doubt that the Warriors envisioned Porziņģis as their starting center heading into training camp.
However, Porziņģis never made it to training camp after it was revealed that he was dealing with an undisclosed health issue. It was later reported that he was suffering from an autoimmune disorder.
“Golden State has started exploring trade routes for Kristaps Porzingis, who is now seriously contemplating his future in basketball as he deals with recurring symptoms from the autoimmune condition termed as POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), sources tell ESPN,” ESPN’s Shams Charania posted.
Following the news, rumors began circulating that Porziņģis was contemplating whether to continue his basketball career. Over the weekend, Porziņģis announced that he would be stepping away from basketball for the time being.
“Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis has announced that he is stepping away from basketball due to his physical inability to play at the level to which he is accustomed. Despite the announcement, which is not an official retirement, the Warriors will still be able to use Porzingis’ $20 million salary in a trade leading up to February’s deadline, per team and league sources,” ESPN’s Anthony Slater wrote.
It remains unclear what the future holds for Porziņģis, but one thing is certain: Golden State will likely explore its trade options. The Warriors have already cleared out the center’s locker entirely.
“Since the start of the season, the glass doors on Kristaps Porzingis’ locker have been closed. Now, his locker is completely cleared out. No nameplate, no items, nothing,” NBC Sports’ Dalton Johnson posted.
The locker being completely cleared out adds another layer to an already uncertain situation. It suggests that the Warriors are preparing to move forward without Porziņģis, even if he eventually becomes healthy enough to return to the court. A trade appears to be a possibility Golden State is seriously considering.
There is no doubt that this is an unfortunate situation for everyone involved. Porziņģis’ health issues are not what anyone expected when he joined the organization, but the Warriors now have to figure out how to address their frontcourt needs. Golden State still lacks the size and reliable center presence it hoped Porziņģis would provide.
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