Warriors weigh Porzingis contract against mid-level option
warriors-offseason-porzingis-green-midlevel-plans
The Golden State Warriors enter the offseason with a pivotal choice: re-sign Kristaps Porzingis or open enough space to deploy the non-taxpayer mid-level exception (NTMLE) projected at $15,139,000 for 2026-27.
Porzingis impressed after arriving from Atlanta at the trade deadline, but injuries limited him to 15 games. League cap expert Keith Smith of Spotrac projects a short, two-year pact worth roughly $50 million if Golden State decides to keep the 7-foot-3 center.
Mid-level money could widen free-agent net
Forgoing Porzingis—and trimming additional salary—would give the Warriors access to the full NTMLE. Smith believes that figure could entice LeBron James should the four-time MVP leave the Lakers and seek more than a veteran minimum deal. Other veterans who might land in the same salary range, according to Smith, include John Collins, Rui Hachimura, CJ McCollum, Anfernee Simons and Khris Middleton.
Green expected to decline option
Forward Draymond Green is widely expected to opt out of his $27.7 million player option. Smith projects a new agreement near $75 million over three seasons, likely with a partial guarantee or team option in the final year.
Veterans Al Horford ($5.9 million) and De’Anthony Melton ($3.5 million) are both considered likely to exercise their player options because larger deals appear unlikely on the open market.
Podziemski extension on deck
A rookie-scale extension for guard Brandin Podziemski is also on the summer agenda. Smith advises Golden State to secure the 23-year-old for about $64 million over four years; otherwise, the organization could revisit negotiations when he becomes a restricted free agent next offseason.
Draft workout and additional targets
Michigan State center Carson Cooper, who worked out for the Warriors this week, told the San Francisco Chronicle he models parts of his game after Green. “I play hard-nosed defense, get shooters open, give them the ball, work on the dribble handoffs, facilitate, find cutters and passing and just be a solid player,” Cooper said.
In a separate report, Chronicle columnist Sam Gordon listed Ayo Dosunmu, Jaxson Hayes, Josh Okogie, Anfernee Simons and Coby White as free agents who could inject youth and athleticism into Golden State’s roster.
Source: Hoops Rumors
