From Slater's article just now live on ESPN. Four sort of stunning new tidbits:
- contract allows trade right away
- although was in San Diego seemed less engaged and didn't participate in scrimages, etc.
- told Warriors he was taking a 'leave of absence' night before Hawaii
- Hasn't followed through with staying around the team.
This sounds like an emotionally anguishing moment for KP because he's known as a great guy, well liked by all. Dunleavy's contract structure for KP can help us here. Want the best for Dubs #1, but feel sad for this great athlete brought down by COVID like so many people with POTS now.
Full quotes:
"Porzingis signed a two-year, $40 million extension with the team in June, but only $3 million of the $20 million in the second season is guaranteed, essentially making it an expiring contract. The front office strategically designed the extension without a raise between the two seasons, keeping him immediately trade-eligible instead of needing to wait until mid-December...""
Porzingis was in the team's San Francisco facility and on the court in the week leading up to training camp and attended Jimmy Butler's player-led event in San Diego in late September, though team sources described a detached Porzingis as indifferent and uninterested in participating in scrimmages and strenuous on-court prep work at the event..."
"On the Sunday before training camp, Porzingis called the Warriors and alerted general manager Mike Dunleavy that he was still dealing with the lingering impact of a health issue that has bothered him for nearly two years and told them he would be taking an indefinite leave of absence."
"[After promising to stay with the team..] that hasn't been the case. Porzingis hasn't returned to the facility, league sources said, beginning another indefinite leave of absence where he is mostly maintaining contact with only Dunleavy and Celebrini. The Warriors listed him as out for the season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night and the reasoning as "not with team" instead of an illness."
Wow. Poor guy. And what a challenge for everyone.