One thing is crystal clear about Kristaps Porziņģis over the past year+: the big man is plagued by mysterious illnesses. Most of the NBA knew this – except, apparently, the Golden State Warriors.
Acquired at the February 2026 trade deadline from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield, Porziņģis debuted post-All-Star break with just 17 minutes vs Boston Celtics. Since then? Zero games – missing a two-game road trip, then home losses to Lakers and Clippers (fifth straight absence as of March 2 vs Clippers). Warriors won’t confirm if he’ll join the upcoming three-game road swing (Houston, OKC, Utah).
Coach Steve Kerr admitted Monday: “It’s a little mysterious. We’re working with him hoping he can get some clarity and break through to consistent health. The medical staff is on it – I won’t speculate medically anymore.”
This follows Kerr’s radio blunder on 95.7 The Game: He claimed Hawks GM Onsi Saleh told him Porziņģis doesn’t have POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome – the condition Porziņģis detailed publicly last year with Celtics/Hawks). Kerr called POTS reports “misinformation,” then apologized Saturday: “Stupid mistake.”
Reactions poured in:
- Sirius XM’s Justin Termine: “How is it ‘a little mysterious’ when he was sick all last year when you traded for him? That’s the opposite of mysterious.”
- Sports med doc Dr. Brian Sutterer: “So they really had no idea what was wrong before acquiring him?!”
The Trade Fallout Warriors sent young, athletic Kuminga (23, former lottery pick) for Porziņģis (30, expiring $30.7M deal this summer) to add stretch-5 rim protection amid Curry’s knee absence (11+ games missed). But Porziņģis has played once – and his health saga (limited to 17 games in Atlanta) continues.
Two bad looks:
- Warriors knew the risks (from Boston/Atlanta reports) but traded anyway – essentially dumping Kuminga for cap relief and a “maybe” contributor.
- They didn’t know/dig deep – poor due diligence on a high-risk veteran.
Either way, it stings: Warriors struggling for playoff spot (recent 101-114 loss to Clippers), thin without Curry/Porziņģis. Porziņģis’ status for road trip unclear – he was at facility but travel TBD.
Porziņģis’ future? Whether POTS or another bug (recent illness called “contagious, fluid loss”), the core issue: Can he play consistently? Warriors bet big on veteran help, but it’s backfiring.
Warriors fans split: Regret losing Kuminga? Or trust the Porziņģis upside if healthy? Kerr’s comments only fuel the fire. What do you think – smart trade or disaster?