Warriors Propose Porzingis Trade to Pelicans
Golden State is exploring a deal sending Kristaps Porzingis to New Orleans for Herb Jones and Yves Missi as the forward manages lingering POTS symptoms.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Basketball
The Golden State Warriors have proposed trading Kristaps Porzingis to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Herb Jones and Yves Missi. Porzingis has been sidelined for much of the season with lingering effects of POTS.
Why it matters
The proposal reflects Golden State's effort to address a long absence from a key player while managing salary cap realities. For the Pelicans, the deal hinges on whether Jones remains available at the asking price of two first-round picks.
Herb Jones carries a $14.9 million salary and Yves Missi earns $3.5 million, and Golden State would absorb both using cap space created by shedding Porzingis's $20.0 million contract. Jones is averaging 6.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 0.7 assists this season, and New Orleans has held firm on a price of two first-round picks.
The players
Kristaps Porzingis
A seven-foot Latvian forward whose recurring POTS symptoms have kept him out of most of the Warriors' season and prompted him to weigh his future in the game.
Golden State Warriors
The Bay Area NBA franchise that is exploring trade options for Porzingis while missing three starters.
New Orleans Pelicans
The NBA franchise based in New Orleans that has held firm on its asking price of two first-round picks for Herb Jones.
Herb Jones
A veteran defensive wing whose salary and role in New Orleans make him central to the proposed deal.
The details
The proposed package would send Porzingis, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2031 first-round pick and a 2030 second-round pick to New Orleans for Jones and Missi. Jamahl Mosley has not been playing Jones, and Golden State is without three starters.
Timeline
June: Porzingis signed a two-year, $40 million extension with the Warriors.
Mid-December: Porzingis would otherwise need to wait to become trade-eligible.
2027, 2030 and 2031: Draft picks included in the proposed trade package.
Season Trajectory
The proposal shows how NBA teams use cap space and future first-round picks to reshape rotations midseason, following the same salary-matching logic that governs extended contracts. It also reflects the broader pressure on Golden State to rebuild depth while its top players are unavailable.
A completed deal would change Golden State's rotation and roster depth while giving New Orleans two future first-round picks. Fantasy managers tracking Jones's and Porzingis's availability should watch for trade announcements and injury updates.
The takeaway
Trade proposals tied to health concerns often hinge on a player's return timeline, so the eventual outcome will depend on how Porzingis recovers and how much value New Orleans assigns to his future.
Further reading
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