Porzingis Puts Contract Talks on Hold, Focuses on Proving Himself in Upcoming NBA Season

Kristaps Porzingis appears to be hesitant about pursuing a contract extension, instead choosing to concentrate on the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season with the Atlanta Hawks.

“I recognize that’s a possibility. I want to assess how the season unfolds,” remarked the 30-year-old forward/center in a recent dialogue with The Athletic. “I aim to demonstrate that I’m performing at a high caliber once more, that I’m fit and ready, and then that kind of matter will resolve itself, you know? We’ll see how it goes.”

Porzingis is eligible to sign a new contract this season, but if he does not secure a new deal with the Hawks, he will be an unrestricted free agent next summer.

“I don’t wish to hasten anything or make definitive statements, but I prefer to take it day by day,” he elaborated.

Last July, just before shifting his focus to EuroBasket 2025 with Latvia’s senior national team, the native of Liepaja was traded from the Boston Celtics and brought his contract to the Hawks. He is projected to earn approximately $30.7 million in the upcoming season.

In his six games in Riga, Porzingis averaged 20.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 0.5 steals per game, aiding his country to achieve a 12th place finish in the standings.

Looking ahead, he is set to embark on his tenth NBA season, following two years with the Celtics, which included the 2023-24 championship campaign, one season with the Washington Wizards, three seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, and four seasons with the New York Knicks. That last team selected him with the fourth overall pick in the 2015 draft.

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