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The Warriors entered the NBA season shorthanded with both Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody sidelined for the first few months because of injuries. They were dealt another blow with Kristaps Porzingis’ indefinite absence because of a private health issue.
That has made things increasingly difficult for a Warriors team that’s trying to ensure that the 38-year-old Steph Curry can play meaningful basketball in the twilight of his career.
The Warriors have begun to explore trade options for Porzingis, according to ESPN. The Warriors released a statement saying they wouldn’t comment on the report, adding that they are “not anticipating Kristaps being around the team in the immediate future.”
Porzingis signed a two-year, $40 million extension with the Warriors in June, but only $3 million in the second season is guaranteed.
It’s a complicated and nuanced situation that has left the Warriors in a tough spot.
“It’s a hard one for all reasons, him personally first and foremost, but as a team knowing you have an idea of who you are coming into a season,” Curry said after the Warriors’ 127-105 loss to the Lakers in their season opener on Wednesday. “We always said availability was a big factor for our team with the guys we already had out.
“So it’s no secret that that spot is an important one for us, especially with his skillset, It’s hard to talk about him without keeping the humanity of it in mind. But it is a tough one to figure out for the now, for the future. Again, we had a good look at what we were supposed to be as a team. We have to overcome that, obviously, but we would love to have him here.”
Porzingis, a 7-foot-2 center, played in 15 games last season, averaging 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 blocked shots.
His absence has made it so that Draymond Green has to play center more than he anticipated, something that puts a heavy load on the 6-foot-6, 36-year-old who’s the defensive heartbeat of that team.
“Yeah definitely, but shit happens,” Green said when asked about the situation.
“You go out there and play,” Green added. “If a guy is injured, you don’t sit in the locker room, like. ‘Oh man, i want you —.’ You go play.”
That is exactly what the Warriors will do on Friday night in their home opener against the Grizzlies.