Porzingis Steps Away From Basketball: Where Could He Play If He Returns to the EuroLeague

Latvian basketball player Kristaps Porzingis announced on 6 November that he is leaving basketball to focus on his health. The 31-year-old center, who plays for the Golden State Warriors in the NBA (the North American professional basketball league), has not fully ruled out a return to the court, so the outlet BasketNews has reviewed possible destinations in the EuroLeague, Europe's top club basketball competition.

Why he is stopping

Porzingis explained that his body did not respond as expected while preparing for the season and that he does not feel ready to play at the level he demands of himself. He previously disclosed a diagnosis of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a condition affecting the autonomic nervous system. He did not specify the nature of his current health problem.

Why Europe

The EuroLeague regular season has 38 games compared with 82 in the NBA, so a club could in theory limit his workload. However, EuroLeague teams also play in domestic leagues and cups, so a lighter schedule would require a special arrangement, and there is no guarantee it would resolve his health issues. Europe would also bring him closer to Latvia and his family. In a January 2026 interview with BasketNews he said he thinks there is nothing better than life in Europe, praising Athens, Barcelona, Madrid and Belgrade.

Possible clubs

Real Madrid has the financial resources and ambition, and Porzingis's playing style could suit coach Pedro Martinez's system. Center Walter Tavares is 34. A Dubai club would be financially easy to imagine, and Latvian Davis Bertans plays there, but it lacks an established fan culture. Porzingis mentioned Belgrade's Partizan in January as a favored environment.

The Milan club on Friday dismissed coach Giuseppe Poeta after a season start of one win in nine EuroLeague games. Luca Banchi, who coached the Latvian national team and Porzingis at EuroBasket 2025 in Riga, where the Latvian averaged 20.2 points and 8.7 rebounds, has become the leading candidate. Even so, a move to Milan would be a long-term option.

The main question is not which club could sign Porzingis, but whether his health will allow him to play again.