10 biggest player option decisions of the 2023 NBA offseason
By Lior Lampert
Biggest player option decisions of the NBA offseason: 5. Kristaps Porzingis
Similar to his teammate that also happens to be on this list, Kyle Kuzma, Kristaps Porzingis just had what was arguably the best season of his career to date with the Wizards. However, like Kuzma, his future with the team is certainly in question. If the Wizards’ new regime does elect to rebuild this team from the ground up, where does that leave Porzingis?
During the 2022-23 season, Kristaps Porzingis averaged 23.2, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 38.5 percent from three on over five attempts per game. The ability to stretch the floor against opposing defenses on one end while controlling the paint defensively on the other end of the floor is part of what makes Porzingis such a dynamic talent.
Kristaps Porzingis has a player option worth upwards of $36M that he can elect to opt into if he pleases. Alternatively, he can opt-out in hopes of securing a long-term contract extension (whether it be from the Wizards or another team).
Turning 28 years old in August, paying Kristaps Porzingis a hefty sum over multiple years certainly comes with risk. From 2017 to 2023, Porzingis has suited up for 264 out of 492 possible games. There’s an old saying that gets thrown around frequently in the world of sports: “The best ability is availability.” Porzingis is uber-talented and an extremely unique player for what he brings to the court, but what good is it if he is not able to be on the court?