The Warriors later put out a statement saying they do not expect Porzingis to be around the team in the immediate future, per ESPN's Anthony Slater. Slater reported that no move is imminent. He also reported that the team is shifting toward seeing Porzingis as a trade chip, an expiring $20 million salary to match in a deal, more than as its starting center. Charania said the contract is $20 million this season with a small partial guarantee next year. NBC Sports Bay Area's Monte Poole put it bluntly, saying the Warriors "have egg on their faces."
The debate: move him now or wait?
The case for moving fast: Golden State went 37-45 last season, and $20 million in expiring salary is the easiest tool a front office has to add help before the deadline. Waiting doesn't make that money more useful.
The case for patience: Slater says nothing is close, and this is a health situation before it is a roster one. ESPN's injury page lists him out with an illness and does not project a return before December. No trade partner has been reported.
Tonight at Crypto.com Arena
Golden State plays the Lakers at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN. Curry is probable with right ankle soreness. Jimmy Butler (ACL recovery), Moses Moody (knee) and Brandin Podziemski (back) are out along with Porzingis.
The Lakers are 6.5-point favorites at DraftKings, according to ESPN. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves open the first Lakers season since LeBron James left for Philadelphia. Walker Kessler is cleared for his Lakers debut, while Cameron Carr and Adou Thiero are out. Collin Sexton (calf) was questionable on Tuesday's report, and ESPN listed him as out on Wednesday afternoon.
Curry against Doncic with four Warriors rotation players out is a tough way to start. If the Warriors keep it close, the Porzingis question gets easier to answer slowly. A blowout will push the trade talk forward.
