Warriors Move to Offload Porzingis as POTS Diagnosis Sparks Retirement Fears

Key points

• Porzingis is considering retirement due to lingering POTS symptoms, including fatigue and elevated heart rates at rest, which he disclosed in October 2025.
• The Warriors are exploring trade options for Porzingis, who has missed all six preseason games and training camp while consulting doctors.
• Porzingis signed a two-year, $40 million deal this summer, but only $3 million is guaranteed for the 2027-28 season, making his contract trade-flexible.
• The Warriors confirmed Porzingis is not expected to be with the team 'in the immediate future' and stated that discussions with his camp will remain private.
• Potential trade partners include the Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings, and Milwaukee Bucks, with the Warriors needing to offer significant assets to move his $20 million salary.

Background

Porzingis was acquired by the Warriors at the February 2026 trade deadline and signed a two-year extension this offseason. He averaged 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 32 games last season across stints with the Atlanta Hawks and Golden State. His POTS diagnosis, revealed in October 2025, has led to recurring health issues that have prevented him from participating in any preseason activities.

How outlets are covering it

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Porzingis is 'seriously contemplating his future in basketball' and that a permanent step away is possible if recovery does not occur. Bleacher Report emphasized the trade flexibility of his contract and outlined specific potential deals, including swaps with the Clippers for Rui Hachimura and Jordan Miller, the Kings for Domantas Sabonis, and the Bucks for AJ Green and Jaime Jaquez Jr. theScore focused on the health crisis and the Warriors’ confirmation that Porzingis is not expected to be with the team in the immediate future, noting that only $3 million of his contract is guaranteed next season.

Why it matters

The potential departure of Porzingis forces the Warriors to restructure their roster ahead of the season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers. His absence impacts their playoff contention plans, and the trade discussions highlight the team’s need to convert his expiring contract into either immediate playing time or future draft capital, particularly as they navigate the post-Stephen Curry era.

What to watch

The Warriors are expected to continue trade discussions with the Clippers, Kings, and Bucks in the coming days. Porzingis’s health status will be monitored, and a decision on his future may emerge before the start of the regular season. The Warriors’ season opener against the Lakers is scheduled for Wednesday.