Porziņģis stays with Warriors: new $40 million contract
Kristaps Porzingis has agreed to a two-year, $40 million extension with the Golden State Warriors, including a player option in the second year. The deal likely prevents the Warriors from using the full mid-level exception, affecting potential LeBron James pursuit.
Latvian basketball star Kristaps Porzingis is set to remain with the Golden State Warriors after agreeing to a two-year, $40 million contract extension. The deal includes a player option for the second season, allowing Porzingis to choose whether to stay or become a free agent.
Porzingis, 30, was traded from the Atlanta Hawks to Golden State on February 5 this year. In 15 regular-season games with the Warriors, he averaged 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 blocks. Over two play-in contests, he posted 15.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 block.
The NBA’s free-agent market opens Wednesday at 1 a.m. Latvian time, but until then, only the Warriors could negotiate officially with Porzingis’ representatives. Prior reports indicated Golden State’s interest in acquiring Anthony Davis and signing LeBron James. According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Porzingis’ new contract likely prevents the Warriors from using the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception (worth roughly $15 million), which could have been offered to James.
Other changes within the Warriors organization: Draymond Green declined his player option and is expected to sign a new contract at a lower salary. Al Horford also opted out and signed a two-year, $14 million deal. Head coach Steve Kerr recently agreed to a two-year, $35 million extension.
Porzingis previously played for the New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards, and Boston Celtics, winning an NBA championship with the Celtics in 2024.
