Porzingis of NBA: 'Leaving without permission': "I am leaving basketball for my health"

NBA Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis (31, Latvia), who left the team and had his salary stopped, announced that he would leave the court due to health issues.

Porzingis posted a statement on social media on the 7th (Korean time) saying, "I have decided to put my health first and leave the basketball I love."

He explained, “As I was working up the physical condition, my body did not respond as expected. I am doing well, but I am not in a state where I can perform at the level I expect.”

He added, "I would like to express the utmost respect to Golden State, and I will find a reasonable solution with the club."

Porzingis has not said he will retire.

He also did not mention postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a neurological disease diagnosed last year.

Porzingis did not play a single game this season after notifying the team just before this year's training camp that he would be leaving the team.

Golden State waited for Porzingis' return, but as his arrival continued to be delayed, the reason for his absence was changed from "general illness" to "leaving the team."

ESPN, an American sports website, reported on the 5th that Golden State stopped paying Porzingis' annual salary of $20 million.

Porzingis, who debuted in the NBA with the New York Knicks in 2015, played for the Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, and Golden State.

He averaged 19.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.8 blocks over 10 seasons, and was selected as an All-Star in 2018. In 2024, he helped Boston win the championship.

Porzingis, who was traded to Atlanta in 2025, moved to Golden State in February of this year, played 15 games, and re-signed with Golden State for two years and $40 million in June.

Even without Porzingis, Golden State is on a six-game winning streak after three straight losses to open the season, recording a record of 6 wins and 3 losses.