Warriors Sign Porzingis to Two-Year, $40 Million Contract

The Golden State Warriors agreed to bring back center Kristaps Porzingis on a two-year, $40 million contract that includes a player option on the second season. Agent Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management told ESPN's Shams Charania that Porzingis is extending his current contract, allowing him to agree with the Warriors before free agency opens.

The Warriors acquired Porzingis from the Atlanta Hawks at the February trade deadline in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield. In 15 games with the Warriors, Porzingis averaged 16.1 points in 23.7 minutes per game. Porzingis, 30, has faced availability issues in recent seasons due to a mysterious illness and Achilles tendinitis.

He appeared in 32 games combined with the Warriors and Hawks this season.

The signing affects the Warriors' ability to offer the full $15.1 million nontaxpayer midlevel exception to unrestricted free agent LeBron James. Draymond Green declined his $27.6 million player option, which provides the team additional financial flexibility.

Team sources said Green and the Warriors are expected to reach a new agreement, with contract details to be finalized after other roster decisions. The team is also expected to pursue James and explore a trade for Washington center Anthony Davis. The Warriors view Porzingis as a floor-spacing rim protector who can complement Green in the frontcourt alongside Steph Curry.

Porzingis earned $30.7 million last season.