Kristaps Porzingis is considering stepping away from basketball as he continues dealing with health problems that have kept him away from the Golden State Warriors.
The latest publicly listed update on the NBA player’s profile says Golden State has stopped issuing salary payments to Porzingis while he remains away from the team and weighs his future in the sport.
The update does not amount to a retirement announcement, and neither Porzingis nor the Warriors has publicly confirmed that he is ending his career.
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What is happening with Kristaps Porzingis
Porzingis has not played for the Warriors during the opening part of the 2026-27 season after missing training camp and preseason games because of a health-related matter.
Golden State said on October 14 that Porzingis had returned to the team’s practice facility and met with general manager Mike Dunleavy and vice-president of player health and performance Rick Celebrini.
The team said Porzingis would remain out indefinitely, while keeping the details of the meeting private.
One week later, the Warriors said Porzingis was not expected to be around the team in the immediate future and declined to comment on reports involving his health, trade possibilities or basketball future.
Porzingis has said he is working with doctors and medical experts and believes his health is gradually improving, but he has not provided a timetable for a return.
Health concerns have interrupted his career
The 31-year-old Latvian centre has dealt with recurring injuries and illness during his NBA career, including a previous medical issue that caused him to miss time after joining Golden State.
Recent NBA player updates have linked his current situation to recurring symptoms associated with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS, an autoimmune-related condition that can affect heart rate and circulation when a person stands.
Because the Warriors have released only limited information, the precise diagnosis, severity of the symptoms and expected recovery timeline remain unclear.
Porzingis previously wrote that dealing with health problems that could not be easily identified had been frustrating, particularly alongside the injuries he has experienced throughout his career.
Why the situation matters to Golden State
Golden State acquired Porzingis from the Atlanta Hawks in February 2026 and later agreed to a two-year contract worth $40 million with the veteran big man.
He played only 32 games during the 2025-26 season, including 15 appearances for the Warriors, while averaging 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 blocks overall.
The Warriors had expected his size, shooting and defensive ability to strengthen a roster built around Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler.
His continued absence has instead left Golden State without one of its most experienced frontcourt options at the beginning of the season.
The uncertainty also affects the team’s roster planning because the Warriors have reportedly explored possible trade scenarios involving Porzingis while he remains away from the club.
Any transaction would depend on Porzingis’ health, contract status, medical clearance and willingness to continue playing.
Retirement has not been confirmed
The current development is that Porzingis is considering his future, not that he has formally retired.
There is also no confirmed date for his return to practice or game action.
The Warriors have said they will provide further information when it is available and appropriate, but their public statements so far have emphasized privacy around conversations with Porzingis and his representatives.
For now, the most important question is whether his condition improves enough for him to resume the demands of an NBA season.
If it does not, Porzingis could face a decision between taking an extended leave, pursuing a trade or ending his professional playing career.
What happens next
- Porzingis is expected to continue working with medical professionals.
- The Warriors must determine whether he can safely return to basketball activities.
- Golden State could revisit trade possibilities if his status becomes clearer.
- A retirement decision has not been announced.
The Warriors’ next official update will be the clearest indication of whether Porzingis is moving toward a return, remaining away from the team or taking a permanent step back from basketball.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Kristaps Porzingis retired from basketball?
No. Porzingis is reportedly considering his future, but he has not announced a retirement.
Why is Kristaps Porzingis away from the Warriors?
He is dealing with an ongoing health-related matter and remains out indefinitely while working with medical professionals.
What health condition has been linked to Porzingis’ absence?
Recent NBA updates have linked his symptoms to postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS, but the Warriors have not publicly detailed his medical situation.
How long is Kristaps Porzingis under contract with Golden State?
He agreed to a two-year, $40-million contract with the Warriors in 2026.
Will Kristaps Porzingis return to the Warriors?
There is no confirmed return date. His next steps will depend on his health, medical clearance and decision about continuing his career.
Fact-Checked: Key facts were checked against official Golden State Warriors and NBA information, including team statements and Porzingis’ player updates.
Disclaimer: Medical details remain limited because Porzingis and the Warriors have kept his health information private.