Jonathan Kuminga’s Hawks Debut Delayed Until After All-Star Break Due to Knee Injury
The Atlanta Hawks will have to wait a little longer to see their newest addition in action. Forward Jonathan Kuminga, acquired in the recent trade that also brought in Buddy Hield, is set to be reevaluated after the All-Star break as he continues to recover from a bone bruise in his left knee.
The injury stems from a hyperextension Kuminga suffered back on January 22 during a game against Dallas - which, as it turns out, was his final appearance in a Golden State Warriors uniform. Since then, the 23-year-old has been sidelined, and the Hawks have confirmed he’ll miss the team’s next three games: a home matchup against Charlotte, a road trip to Minnesota, and another meeting with the Hornets.
That timeline means the earliest possible debut for Kuminga in a Hawks jersey would be February 19 in Philadelphia, right after the All-Star break. For Atlanta, that game could mark the beginning of a new phase - one that potentially includes a dynamic, high-upside wing looking to carve out a bigger role.
Kuminga, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, had requested a trade from the Warriors on January 15 - the first day he was eligible to be moved. While he anticipated a change of scenery, sources say he was “shocked” to land in Atlanta, a team that wasn’t on his radar during trade talks. Still, he’s reportedly embracing the opportunity and looking forward to a fresh start.
And there’s plenty at stake for both sides. Kuminga’s contract includes a $24.3 million team option for the 2026-27 season, giving the Hawks until June 30 to make a decision on his future. That gives Atlanta a window to evaluate how he fits alongside their core - assuming he’s healthy and ready to contribute down the stretch.
For now, the focus is on recovery. But once Kuminga is cleared, all eyes will be on how he integrates into a Hawks roster that could use his athleticism, defensive versatility, and scoring punch. If he hits the ground running, this midseason move might end up being one of the more intriguing under-the-radar trades of the year.