The Golden State Warriors are currently focused on closing the regular season strong and entering the Play-In Tournament with some momentum, especially with Steph Curry set to return from his knee injury after missing the last 27 games.
However, all teams must also consider what comes after the end of the season, and in the Warriors' case, they'll have to make some decisions on a few key players.
Most notably, they'll have to come to terms on a new contract with Kristaps Porzingis if both sides want to reunite after half a season of play following the Dubs' acquisition of the big man at the trade deadline.
Kristaps Porzingis Gives Unclear Answer On Future
Porzingis has played relatively well so far with the Warriors, despite hiccups with his health. However, he has yet to play alongside Curry and the rest of the Warriors' team at full strength.
After the Warriors lost to the Cavaliers on Thursday, Porzingis was asked by The Athletic if he'd like to stay in Golden State moving forward, but gave a noncommittal answer.
"It's hard to say. Of course, it would be nice for me to go ahead and say, 'Yes, I want to continue here,' and this and that. But the reality is I didn’t have a good year at all. I barely showed what I’m capable of. And so I have to see what’s out there. For me, I just wanted first to get to decent shape. Take care of that. Which I am kind of working my way into. And then seeing the whole picture, kind of taking a step back, not to put too much pressure on myself. It’s been a year like that, and we’ll see."
Porzingis Talks About Possible On-Court Relationship With Curry
Alongside his unclear thoughts about his future in the Bay Area, Porzingis also touched on what makes the Warriors appealing as a team, and later spoke about the possible relationship he may have with Curry on the court.
"Honestly, the team is great here. I haven’t gotten a chance to play with Steph yet, but the team is great, the city is great, the organization is fantastic ... Who knows? Maybe (Steph and I) get out there and we can’t play together. So obviously, I have to take that into account. But I think, with the experience that he has and, obviously, myself now at this point in my career, we will click. He draws so much attention that it’s gonna make everybody’s life easier. So I expect that. I expect that for myself and for the team. It’s just gonna ease things up. But I also have to learn how to play with him a little bit for sure. It takes time to get some good rhythm, but we definitely as a team, we look forward to it."
"I still feel like I have levels to get to. In terms of shape, in terms of rustiness, and I still — I’m not too happy with how I’m playing right now. But step by step, and we’re getting Steph back also. That’s super exciting for me."
Porzingis has now played in 12 games with the Warriors, averaging 17.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game. He's riding a five-game streak of 16+ points as he continues to round into form, perfectly timed with Curry's imminent return.