Warriors Pessimistic Kristaps Porzingis Will Return

The Warriors are preparing like Kristaps Porziņģis may never play for them again. ESPN's Anthony Slater reports an "extreme level of pessimism" inside the organization, while Golden State explores trades for the 31-year-old. Porziņģis has been out indefinitely since Oct. 14 because of a "health-related matter." He signed a two-year, $40 million deal in the offseason and is making $20 million this season. His 2027-28 player option is only guaranteed for $3 million until July 7, 2027, which could make his contract useful in a trade. Porziņģis played 15 games for Golden State last season, averaging 16.1 points and 5.3 rebounds.