The Golden State Warriors have made their move ahead of the trade deadline, sending Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for veteran big man Kristaps Porziņģis. It’s a deal that closes the book on Kuminga’s up-and-down run in the Bay and signals a shift in Golden State’s approach-away from chasing the biggest names on the market and toward building a more balanced, flexible roster.
Warriors Step Back from the Giannis Sweepstakes
For weeks, the Warriors had been circling the idea of a blockbuster-specifically, a move for Giannis Antetokounmpo. But as the deadline approached, it became clear that Milwaukee wasn’t budging. The Bucks had no intention of moving their franchise centerpiece midseason, and Golden State, reading the room, pivoted.
That pivot came in the form of Porziņģis, a skilled, floor-spacing center who brings a different kind of value: fit, flexibility, and experience. By moving Kuminga, Golden State effectively took itself out of the Giannis conversation and leaned into a more pragmatic vision for the rest of the season.
Kuminga’s Time in Golden State: Flashes and Frustration
Jonathan Kuminga’s journey with the Warriors was never short on promise. The athleticism?
Off the charts. The potential?
Always visible in flashes. But consistency and role clarity were elusive.
Across five seasons, Kuminga never quite carved out a permanent spot in Steve Kerr’s rotation, a reality that became more pronounced this season.
Despite averaging 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in just under 24 minutes per game this year, Kuminga saw his minutes dwindle after December. Still, by all accounts, he remained locked in-checking the rotation sheet daily, staying ready, and keeping a professional attitude through the uncertainty.
Now, he heads to Atlanta with a $24.3 million team option for next season. The Hawks hold the keys to his future, and with his upside still very real, they’ll have decisions to make.
Why Porziņģis Makes Sense for the Warriors
For Golden State, this isn’t just about who they gave up-it’s about what they’re getting in return.
Porziņģis checks several boxes. He’s a legitimate rim protector, a stretch big who can space the floor, and a player who’s shown he can impact playoff games. His expiring $30.7 million contract also gives the Warriors some breathing room financially, which matters for a team that’s been deep in the tax in recent years.
The big question, as always with Porziņģis, is availability. He’s played in just 17 games this season, averaging 17.1 points, 5.1 boards, and 2.7 assists while shooting 36% from deep. He hasn’t suited up since January 7 due to illness, but the expectation is that he’ll be ready to go shortly after arriving in the Bay.
If healthy, Porziņģis could be a real difference-maker for a Warriors team currently 27-24 and sitting eighth in the West. He gives them a frontcourt option they’ve lacked-a true stretch five who can protect the rim and complement Draymond Green’s defensive versatility.
Hawks Take a Calculated Swing on Upside
On the other side of the deal, Atlanta is betting on potential without tying up long-term money.
Porziņģis wasn’t in their future plans, so flipping him for Kuminga-still just 21 years old with untapped upside-is a smart play. They now control his team option for next season, and even if they decline it, they can still re-sign him using non-Bird rights for up to four years, $116 million.
Kuminga’s trade bonus bumps his current-year salary by about $1.3 million, but Atlanta was comfortable absorbing that. They’re also bringing in Buddy Hield, whose contract offers more flexibility than it appears at first glance. He’s owed $9.7 million next season, but only $3 million is guaranteed, giving the Hawks the option to move on if needed.
If they decline Kuminga’s option and waive Hield, Atlanta could open up around $25 million in cap space this summer. That’s a lot of optionality for a team still figuring out how to build around Trae Young and Dejounte Murray.
A Side Note: Warriors Move Jackson-Davis
In a smaller but still notable move, Golden State also sent backup center Trayce Jackson-Davis to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick from the Los Angeles Lakers. It’s another piece of the Warriors’ broader effort to clean up their roster and retool for the stretch run.
Bottom Line: Clarity Over Flash
This wasn’t the blockbuster many expected from Golden State. But it might be the kind of move they needed.
Instead of swinging for the fences, the Warriors addressed a real need, added financial flexibility, and brought in a player who could help them right now-if he can stay on the floor. For Atlanta, it’s a smart gamble on a young talent with room to grow, all while keeping the books clean for the offseason.
Sometimes, the best trade deadline moves aren’t the loudest-they’re the ones that bring clarity. And that’s exactly what both teams got.