Kristaps Porzingis is on the move again - and this time, he's heading west. The 7-foot-3 big man is joining the Golden State Warriors in a deal that sends Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks. It’s a bold swing by Golden State, betting on size, skill, and the upside of a healthy Porzingis as they look to retool around their veteran core.
This marks the second trade involving Porzingis in less than a year. After being dealt to Atlanta in the offseason, his stint with the Hawks was short-lived. Now, he reunites with former Celtics teammate Al Horford - both now wearing Warriors jerseys - in a frontcourt that suddenly looks a lot more formidable on paper.
But let’s be clear: this isn’t just about names. It’s about fit, and it’s about timing.
Porzingis has had a tough 2025-26 season so far, largely due to health issues. He’s only played in 17 games, averaging 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.3 blocks in just over 24 minutes per night.
He’s shooting a respectable 45.7% from the field and 36% from deep - numbers that reflect his ability to stretch the floor and contribute offensively when he’s on the court. That 29-point performance against the Pelicans in late December was a reminder of what he can do when he’s in rhythm.
But Achilles tendinitis in his left leg sidelined him for 12 straight games starting in mid-January, and that’s the lingering concern.
Still, the Warriors are clearly banking on the upside.
A healthy Porzingis brings a unique skill set to Golden State’s frontcourt. He’s a legitimate rim protector with range out to the three-point line - a rare combination that could open up new dimensions for Steve Kerr’s offense. Pairing him with Draymond Green gives the Warriors a mix of size, defensive versatility, and playmaking that could be crucial in the postseason.
And don’t forget, Porzingis isn’t new to high-stakes basketball. He was a key piece of the 2024 Celtics championship team, playing a pivotal role before injuries cut his playoff run short.
Across his career - 518 games and counting - he’s averaged 19.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks. The talent has never been in question.
It’s always been about availability.
For the Warriors, this is a calculated risk. Kuminga, just 23, was starting to come into his own as a dynamic two-way forward.
Hield, one of the league’s most consistent three-point threats, brought floor spacing and veteran savvy. But Golden State is clearly in win-now mode - and Porzingis, if healthy, raises their ceiling.
The big question now: can he stay on the floor?
If Porzingis can return to form and stay healthy down the stretch, the Warriors might have just added the kind of difference-maker who can tilt a playoff series. He gives them size they’ve lacked, shooting that fits their system, and a frontcourt pairing with Draymond that could cause problems for opposing offenses.
It’s a gamble - but for a team still trying to squeeze another title run out of its championship core, it’s one worth taking.