Golden State Warriors Stop Payments To Absent Center Kristaps Porzingis

Pay Stopped For Absent Star

The Golden State Warriors are no longer making semi monthly payments to veteran center Kristaps Porzingis. The team ruled that the absent center is not rendering his services on his $20 million salary. Porzingis is not disputing the decision to stop his pay.

The 31 year old player signed a two year extension worth $40 million with the Warriors this summer, though only $3 million is guaranteed in the second year. Right before training camp started, he called general manager Mike Dunleavy and walked away from the team, with his mindset leaning toward ending his NBA career.

Failed Attempts At A Return

Porzingis struggled with an elongated health issue over the past two seasons. The organization initially gave him room, expecting him to stay near his teammates and medical staff during his recovery.

In early October, Porzingis met with Dunleavy and Rick Celebrini, who is the lead medical decision maker for the team. The Warriors issued a statement saying he would remain around the group. That arrangement ended quickly when Porzingis left the facility again and did not return.

The team then officially changed his status from out with a general illness to not with team. This purposeful adjustment showed that his absence is no longer considered excused by the franchise.

Trade Deadline And Team Form

The Warriors front office has no plans to void the contract right now. Dunleavy is actively looking for trade deals using the contract before the Feb. 11 trade deadline. Rival teams could take on the near expiring deal to save money on long term salary, free up a roster spot after a buyout, or gain a draft asset depending on what Golden State attaches.

A similar situation happened last season when the Miami Heat stopped paying Terry Rozier during a federal gambling investigation while still looking for trade options before the deadline.

Even without Porzingis, Golden State has turned their season around on the court. After starting the campaign 0-3, the Warriors have now won five consecutive games.