The Golden State Warriors have completely turned their season around, going from a brutal 0-3 start to an impressive 6-3 record, all without a single minute from Kristaps Porzingis. Their latest win, a dominant 120-100 victory over the Miami Heat, extended their road winning streak to six games and bought the front office some much needed breathing room. But don’t let the good vibes fool you, because the Warriors are still grappling with major decisions surrounding Porzingis, and according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, they’ve already contacted the Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, and New Orleans Pelicans about a potential deal.
Porzingis’ Status Kicks Off Early Trade Talks
This whole situation is wild, right? Porzingis, 31, has been completely away from the Warriors since training camp and hasn’t played or even practiced this season. His disclosed diagnosis is postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS, and reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania and Anthony Slater suggest he might even be leaning towards retirement. There’s been no decision yet, and absolutely no timetable for his return. That’s why these trade conversations are primarily about his contract. The Warriors are clearly looking for someone who can actually contribute and help them out *this season*. Any team acquiring Porzingis would have to be comfortable with the very real possibility that he never plays a single game for them. His contract is set at $20 million this season, but only $3 million of next season’s salary is guaranteed. While the Warriors are reportedly withholding payments while he’s sidelined, his salary still counts against their cap and can be used in a trade. Siegel also cited a source who hinted Porzingis could give up more than 60% of his salary in a buyout after a trade, which would obviously make him way more financially appealing to an acquiring team.
Breaking Down the Potential Deals and Their Sticking Points
The Milwaukee Bucks might be the most intriguing call so far. Siegel reported the Bucks are open to moving Myles Turner in a Porzingis deal, but they want draft capital in return. The Warriors, however, see things differently. If taking on Turner’s contract means sending Porzingis *and* another player, then Golden State would want Milwaukee to offer something extra to sweeten the pot. And don’t even think about Moses Moody, because the Warriors reportedly have very little interest in trading him. Turner would be huge for Stephen Curry, giving him a center who can protect the rim and stretch the floor, but he’s owed $28 million next season and has a $29.1 million player option for 2028-29. That’s a totally different proposition if the Warriors have to give up a rotation player or picks too.
The Warriors have also contacted Chicago about Jalen Smith. The Bulls, though, haven’t shown much willingness to move him and prefer to reassess closer to the trade deadline, unless draft capital is included right now. As for the New Orleans Pelicans, they’ve been identified as the least concrete option. Golden State has reportedly contacted them, but there hasn’t been any specific player discussed in those talks. So, for now, Chicago has a specific target, while the Pelicans call might be one worth revisiting as the trade deadline approaches.
This is a wild situation to watch unfold. The Warriors have momentum on the court, but the front office clearly feels the pressure to make a move. How will these trade discussions evolve, and will Golden State find the help they need to solidify their early-season success? Keep an eye on those trade deadline rumors, because this saga is far from over.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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