Updated

Updated · Fox News · Nov 4

Warriors Halt Kristaps Porzingis' $20 Million Salary as POTS Symptoms Keep Him Off Court

Updated

Updated · Fox News · Nov 4

Warriors Halt Kristaps Porzingis' $20 Million Salary as POTS Symptoms Keep Him Off Court

Q: Why is the NBA Players' Association refusing to challenge the Warriors' decision to withhold Porzingis' salary?

The NBPA is not challenging the Warriors because, based on the facts available, this looks like a contract-enforcement issue the team is allowed to pursue when a player is deemed not to be “rendering services,” and Porzingis himself is not contesting that finding. Reporting indicates Golden State changed Porzingis’ status from an illness-related absence to “not with team,” treating the situation as unexcused after he stepped away before camp and did not remain around the club during recovery. Under the NBA’s labor rules, teams can withhold pay in those circumstances, subject to grievance rights. But a grievance usually depends on the player wanting to fight the decision, and league sources say Porzingis is not actively disputing it. That matters because the union appears to be following the player’s lead. Multiple reports say the NBPA has “no plans” or “no current plans” to challenge the withheld salary, suggesting it does not see a strong practical or legal basis to press the case without Porzingis pushing it. There is also a broader reality: Porzingis is dealing with serious recurring health problems linked to POTS, is away from the team indefinitely, and is reportedly leaning toward ending his career. In that context, a prolonged grievance fight may offer little upside, especially if he and the Warriors eventually pursue a trade, buyout, settlement, or retirement-related resolution instead of a formal dispute.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Nov 4

$20 million in semimonthly salary payments to Kristaps Porzingis have reportedly been stopped after the Warriors ruled he is not rendering services.
Porzingis, 31, has not played this season and stepped away from the team the day before training camp amid recurring symptoms linked to Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, which can cause dizziness and fatigue.
No formal fight appears imminent: Porzingis is reportedly not disputing the missed payments, and the NBA Players' Association has no plans to challenge the move.
The stoppage hits a player Golden State signed to a two-year, $40 million extension despite his appearing in only 74 games over the previous two seasons because of health issues.