Steve Kerr Reveals Private Exchange With Kristaps Porzingis After Indefinite Basketball Break

Steve Kerr has revealed that he exchanged messages with Kristaps Porzingis after the Golden State Warriors centre announced he was stepping away from basketball indefinitely.

Porzingis confirmed his decision in a public statement, explaining that his body had not responded as he had hoped while preparing for the new season.

The 31-year-old has not played for the Warriors since his arrival and has been dealing with health problems alongside injuries throughout his 11-year NBA career.

Steve Kerr shares message to Kristaps Porzingis after Golden State Warriors exit

Speaking before the Warriors hosted the Orlando Magic, Kerr confirmed he had contacted Porzingis following his announcement.

“We texted the other day,” Kerr told reporters. “Obviously, wish him well and hoping for the best for him. He’s made his decision, and there’s not a whole lot else to say.”

The comments offered a more personal response after Kerr had previously admitted he had neither received nor requested an official explanation for the centre’s absence.

Porzingis announced that he needed to prioritise his physical health after his body failed to respond as expected during his build-up to the season.

“This season I was really looking forward to running it with this group, but as I ramped up, my body didn’t respond the way I anticipated,” he wrote. “I know what it takes, and I’m not where I want to be to perform at the level that I expect from myself. At this point, I’ve made the decision to prioritize my health and step away from the game I love.”

The situation has also forced Kerr to adjust his plans. The Warriors coach had previously discussed a five-out offensive approach designed around Porzingis, but has instead leaned towards smaller line-ups.

That adjustment has coincided with a six-game winning streak after Golden State opened the campaign 0-3.

There are also contractual questions to resolve. The Warriors reportedly withheld payments from Porzingis’ $20 million salary for the 2026-27 season after his absence, while his statement confirmed he was working with the franchise to find a solution.

Golden State are reportedly not planning to void the two-year, $40 million extension he signed in June. With Porzingis now stepping away indefinitely, the focus will turn to his health and the resolution of his contract situation.

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