Warriors Reportedly Stop Paying Porzingis as Standoff Deepens

The strange standoff between the Golden State Warriors and Kristaps Porzingis has taken a dramatic new turn. According to a report from ESPN's Shams Charania and Anthony Slater on Wednesday, the Warriors are not delivering payments on the 31-year-old's $20 million salary, ruling that he is not rendering services while he remains away from the team. Porzingis has not played this season. He told the front office about a health issue the day before training camp, missed the preseason, and the club later confirmed it did not expect him around the organisation in the immediate future. He has previously disclosed a diagnosis of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, a condition that causes fatigue and an abnormal rise in heart rate on standing, though the team has described his current absence only as health-related. The report adds that Golden State can still move his contract before the February 11 trade deadline, and that an acquiring team would not have to pay the salary, which could appeal to a club looking to shed a longer deal or open a roster spot. Porzingis himself is said to be leaning toward ending his playing career, and head coach Steve Kerr said on Wednesday he had no new update on the big man. For now, one of the league's most unusual contract sagas rolls on, with no return date in sight.