A rival Western Conference executive believes Kristaps Porzingis could be moved by the Warriors before the trade deadline if his health issues continue.

Golden State Warriors big man Kristaps Porzingis could become a trade candidate before the February 11 deadline if his health problems continue, according to ClutchPoints insider Brett Siegel.

“I spoke with one rival West executive earlier this week who said that he wouldn’t be shocked if Porzingis was moved by the Warriors and he didn’t finish the season with them, moved at the trade deadline because he’s basically a $20 million contract spot,” Siegel said on the Clutch Scoops podcast.

Siegel then compared the situation to Jonathan Kuminga’s contract last season.

“It’s what the Warriors had last year with Jonathan Kuminga, and they ultimately turned Kuminga into Porzingis,” Siegel continued. “Could they do something similar with Porzingis’ contract over the first three, three and a half months of the regular season?”

Porzingis, 31, averaged 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists over 32 games between the Atlanta Hawks and Warriors last season.

Credit Getty Images via AFP – Scanpix

Porzingis’ health situation remains unclear

The possibility of a future trade comes amid another health issue for Porzingis, who has not been participating in Warriors training camp.

“When we reached out for comment to try to get some more intel on this matter, reaching out to people close to the situation, they gave us the same thing, just saying it’s a health thing and that they’re not going to comment on anything else of what’s going on,” Siegel said. “The organization’s being extremely tight-lipped about it.”

“They changed the subject, not giving any hints as to what’s going on,” he added.

Siegel stressed that it remains unclear whether Porzingis’ current problem is connected to the health issues he previously dealt with.

“We don’t really know the full extent and the full details of this health issue, but from the Warriors’ perspective, they do,” Siegel noted. “And so, if this is going to be something that lingers over the course of the first half of the regular season, you’re going to see them have to make a hard decision regarding Kristaps Porzingis.”

Porzingis, a 2018 NBA All-Star and 2024 NBA champion, missed a combined 90 regular-season games over the previous two seasons.

The Latvian re-signed with Golden State during the offseason on a two-year, $40 million contract. The second season includes a player option.

Like what we are doing? Support us by becoming BN+ member.

If you like our content, please click here and add us as your preferred source. It helps us a lot, and we are committed to delivering you the very latest basketball news.