NBA: Warriors star Porzingis pauses career to treat chronic health condition

Kristaps Porzingis will not play basketball in the near future. The Golden State Warriors center announced on Friday that he is stepping away from the game to focus on his physical condition.

Porzingis explained that his body did not react as expected during his training ramp-up. He stated, 'I’m doing good, but I know what it takes and I’m not where I want to be to perform at the level that I expect from myself.' He added that he has decided to prioritize his health over immediate competition.

The move comes with immediate financial implications. ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the Warriors have stopped sending the semimonthly payments due under Porzingis' $20 million contract. League sources indicated that the player is not actively challenging these withheld payments. The NBA Players Association also has no plans to file a dispute regarding the halt in salary.

Porzingis has not played a single game for the Warriors this season. He separated from the team the day before training camp opened this offseason. Reports indicate he is managing recurring symptoms of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, a condition that can lead to dizziness and extreme fatigue.

The player addressed earlier speculation about his condition in an October 14 post on X. He clarified that he is working with medical experts to return to full health. He wrote, 'Honestly, I’m getting better and better.' He also refuted online rumors from self-styled experts claiming he had contracted HIV or AIDS.

The Warriors signed Porzingis to a two-year, $40 million extension during the recent offseason. He had appeared in only 74 games over the previous two seasons due to ongoing health struggles. Since entering the league with the New York Knicks in 2015, the forward has earned more than $253 million in NBA salary.