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The Golden State Warriors are actively working to trade Kristaps Porzingis, but finding a partner willing to cooperate without demanding extra assets could prove challenging. According to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, three executives from opposing teams stated they would insist on draft compensation from Golden State in exchange for a starting-caliber big man in a Porzingis deal.
This development comes as the Warriors remain set on moving the veteran center, even after his recent announcement that he is stepping away from basketball to focus on his health. Golden State would rather finalize a trade without giving up draft picks, but potential trade partners may have different plans.
Warriors Face Potential Kristaps Porzingis Trade Price
The Warriors have identified Porzingis' contract as a possible mechanism to upgrade their roster before the Feb. 11 trade deadline. However, Stein and Fischer reported that landing a starting-caliber big man might require Golden State to attach draft capital. Three rival executives independently shared that expectation with The Stein Line.
Golden State has not entirely dismissed the idea of including draft picks, per the report, but would only consider it for the right player. That leaves the Warriors confronting a tough decision. Porzingis has yet to play this season, and his on-court future remains uncertain. His $20 million salary could help facilitate a trade, but opposing teams seem reluctant to give up a valuable rotation player solely for financial relief. The Warriors must balance the cost of adding immediate help against preserving assets for future moves.
Golden State Eyes December Deadline for Porzingis Trade
Golden State reportedly aims to trade Porzingis as soon as possible, preferably by Dec. 16. That date is particularly significant. Completing a deal by then would enable the Warriors to combine an incoming player's salary with another contract in a subsequent trade before the Feb. 11 deadline.
The organization employed a similar strategy during the 2024-25 season. Golden State acquired Dennis Schröder from Brooklyn in December before including his contract in the February blockbuster that brought Jimmy Butler to the Bay Area. Porzingis' contract could appeal to teams seeking financial flexibility. Although he signed a two-year, $40 million deal, only $3 million of his salary for next season is guaranteed. He is also reportedly open to negotiating a buyout with any team that acquires him. If no suitable trade materializes, Golden State could negotiate its own buyout with Porzingis after the trade deadline.
Warriors Remain Protective of Moses Moody
The Warriors' approach extends beyond Porzingis. According to Stein and Fischer, Golden State wants to keep Moses Moody out of trade discussions if possible. The organization believes Moody and Butler can successfully return from their respective knee injuries during the second half of the season. That confidence could influence how much the Warriors are willing to sacrifice for another established contributor.
Meanwhile, Porzingis announced Friday that his body had not responded as he hoped, prompting his decision to step away from basketball. The announcement did not constitute a formal retirement, and league sources said it would not change Golden State's trade strategy. The Warriors still intend to find a deal. Whether they can acquire meaningful help without paying the draft-pick price rival executives are demanding remains the central question.
Originally reported by yahoo.