Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porziņģis said Friday, November 6, that he is stepping away from basketball to prioritize his health, making his clearest public statement yet about an absence that has stretched into the 2026-27 NBA season. In a message posted to his verified X account, the 31-year-old said his body had not responded as he expected while preparing to return. He did not identify the current health issue or provide a timetable for resuming play. His announcement did not formally declare his retirement.
The decision follows weeks of uncertainty around Porziņģis, who missed training camp and has not appeared in a game for Golden State this season. The Warriors signed the former All-Star to a two-year, $40 million extension over the summer, hoping his shooting and rim protection would bolster their frontcourt. On November 4, reports emerged that the team was withholding payments from his $20 million salary while evaluating possible trades. Friday’s news is a separate development: Porziņģis himself has now confirmed that he is stepping away from the game.
Porziņģis said he wants to work with the Warriors to find an appropriate solution, but neither a transaction nor a return date has been announced. Golden State has continued winning without him, defeating Miami 120-100 on Thursday for its sixth consecutive victory behind Stephen Curry’s 29 points. The franchise now faces longer-term roster questions as it plans around an uncertain frontcourt situation. For Porziņģis, the immediate priority is his health; any conclusion about retirement, a buyout or his next team would be premature.