NBA Opening Week intel: Warriors' Kristaps Porzingis mystery increases pressure to make trade

Opening Week buzz centers on whether the Golden State Warriors will trade Kristaps Porzingis amid mounting availability concerns. The article describes the Warriors’ bet on Porzingis after they traded Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield for him, expecting a stretch big who could space the floor and contribute on both ends. It notes he signed a two-year, $40 million extension in the offseason, with only $23 million guaranteed and the possibility of moving his 2026-27 $20 million salary slot. But Porzingis has again faced health issues, missing training camp, the entire preseason, and now the start of the 2026-27 regular season. The Warriors are also without Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody, and Porzingis’ absence ties up about $90 million—around 40% of payroll—raising pressure for a decision.