Things have taken a turn for the worse for the Golden State Warriors over the last 24 hours. On Wednesday, the team announced that center Kristaps Porzingis is dealing with an autoimmune condition that is causing him significant problems.
Porzingis re-signed with Golden State over the summer. Now, the Warriors are exploring potential ways to trade him as they navigate an increasingly uncertain situation.
“Golden State has started exploring trade routes for Kristaps Porzingis, who is now seriously contemplating his future in basketball as he deals with recurring symptoms from the autoimmune condition termed as POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), sources tell ESPN," ESPN's Shams Charania posted.
The situation is serious, and although the Warriors are exploring trade options, there are no guarantees that Porzingis will be able to continue his basketball career. The veteran big man has a tradeable contract, but the uncertainty surrounding his health and future complicates matters.
“Porzingis is on a trade-flexible contract for $20 million this season and a small partial next year, serving as essentially an expiring deal that the Warriors can utilize, potentially with their pool of assets. He first revealed his POTS diagnosis last year and has had ups and downs with the issue. If there is no breakthrough in recovery, stepping away from basketball -- for good -- is possible,” Charania posted.
One potential target for Golden State has already emerged. The Warriors have reportedly contacted the Milwaukee Bucks to inquire about center Myles Turner.
“The Warriors have recently contacted the Bucks to inquire about a Kristaps Porzingis trade, per The Athletic. Golden State is likely targeting veteran center Myles Turner, but Milwaukee is not believed to be interested at this time,” NBA writer Jake Weinbach posted.
Acquiring someone like Turner would be a significant move for Golden State. The center position has become one of the team's biggest concerns, especially with an already thin roster. Turner would give the Warriors a reliable rim protector who can also stretch the floor with his outside shooting.
Turner is currently playing under his $108 million contract with Milwaukee. If the Bucks are rebuilding, taking on Porzingis could potentially make sense from a financial standpoint, given the structure of his contract. However, his uncertain playing future makes any deal complicated, and for now, Milwaukee reportedly does not appear interested.
