Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis released a statement on Friday announcing his decision to step away from basketball due to his ongoing health issues off the court.

In a statement posted on X, Porzingis did not announce that he is retiring, but rather stepping away to focus on his health, while also allowing the Warriors to continue exploring ways to maximize his current contract.

“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,” Porzingis wrote. “I'm doing good, but 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.

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“In this situation, I want to show the utmost respect for the Golden State Warriors and work with them to find a solution that makes sense. I'm thankful to my family and close ones for always being there. Much appreciation to all of you for the support.”

This is a developing story that will be updated shortly.