Blazers Should Avoid Kristaps Porzingis Trade Even at a Discount

The Golden State Warriors are reportedly searching for a trade partner for Kristaps Porzingis.

Given everything surrounding his availability, I'm not convinced they'll find one willing to give up much of anything.

And the Portland Trail Blazers certainly shouldn't be eager to get involved.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported last week that Golden State has begun exploring trade options involving the 31-year-old center, who remains sidelined indefinitely while dealing with ongoing health concerns.

Porzingis is reportedly contemplating his basketball future as he continues dealing with recurring symptoms associated with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, commonly known as POTS.

It's an unfortunate situation for a former All-Star who helped Boston win the 2024 championship.

For the Warriors, however, the basketball implications are difficult to ignore. Porzingis appeared in just 32 games last season, averaging 16.7 points and 5.2 rebounds, and there's still no established timetable for his return.

Finding a trade partner under those circumstances was never going to be easy.

Portland could theoretically construct a deal without sacrificing any of its young stars, although even a relatively modest package raises some concerns.

Robert Williams III and Vít Krejčí, for example, combine for approximately $16.6 million in salary against Porzingis' $20 million. Golden State could include a future second-round pick to make the arrangement more appealing.

This isn't a reported negotiation. It's a hypothetical framework that couldn't be considered until December 30 at the earliest, when Williams becomes eligible to be traded following his offseason extension.

Any actual deal would still have to satisfy the league's salary-matching and roster requirements.

Golden State would have some incentive to explore it.

Williams provides experienced rim protection, while Krejčí offers affordable perimeter depth. The Warriors would also reduce their immediate salary commitments — something worth considering with Stephen Curry still trying to compete for another championship.

But Williams has dealt with significant injuries himself, and his new contract includes commitments beyond this season. Golden State would essentially be exchanging one uncertain center situation for another, albeit with a pair of players who can contribute now.

And the Blazers would be taking on even more uncertainty.

Williams averaged 6.7 points, seven rebounds and 1.5 blocks across 59 games last season, earning a three-year extension worth approximately $44 million.

He's already an established defensive presence behind Donovan Clingan. Krejčí isn't an untouchable piece, either, but his affordable contract gives Portland another option along the perimeter.

Moving both players for Porzingis would leave Micah Nori with less immediate depth and no assurance that the former All-Star could contribute this season.

All for a future second-round pick?

That doesn't do much for me.

Porzingis' contract does offer some financial appeal. He signed a two-year, $40 million extension with Golden State, with only $3 million of his $20 million salary for 2027-28 guaranteed.

That could interest an organization looking to shed longer-term commitments. But Williams' extension also carries partial guarantees, while Krejčí has a team option for next season.

Portland already has financial flexibility built into those contracts … and enough young talent worth evaluating without adding another major question mark.

The Warriors, meanwhile, have already received some indication of how difficult this process might become.

Golden State reportedly contacted the Milwaukee Bucks about Porzingis, according to The Athletic's Sam Amick and Nick Friedell. Milwaukee isn't believed to have interest.

That doesn't establish how the rest of the league values Porzingis, but it reinforces my skepticism about his market.

His ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim could help several contenders if he's able to return. His talent has never been the problem, and hopefully his health improves enough for him to continue playing.

But acquiring him today means accepting substantial uncertainty.

And while Golden State might find a team interested in his contract rather than his production, such a deal could require the Warriors to attach draft compensation instead of receiving meaningful assets.

That's a difficult position for a franchise trying to maximize Curry's remaining years.

It also makes the idea of Portland getting involved even less appealing.

The Blazers have already made a significant roster gamble by acquiring Ja Morant. Damian Lillard is back, Clingan continues developing and Shaedon Sharpe is working toward a return from knee surgery.

Nori has enough pieces to evaluate without sacrificing available contributors for a center whose immediate future remains unresolved.

Perhaps Porzingis eventually receives encouraging news about his health. A clearer return timetable would change the conversation, and Golden State could find itself negotiating from a much stronger position.

Until then, I have serious doubts about whether a trade materializes at all.

Even the hypothetical Williams-Krejčí package would leave Portland giving up an established rotation big and another perimeter option for little more than future financial considerations and a second-round pick.

Golden State would acquire additional rotation options. Portland would inherit an unresolved situation with no guarantee of receiving anything on the court.

That's a discount on Porzingis, sure … but it still isn't a deal worth making.

And if the Warriors can't find another organization willing to surrender even that kind of modest return, I wouldn't be surprised if the trade deadline passes with Porzingis still in Golden State.