On February 5, the Golden State Warriors made a bold move, sending Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis. It’s the kind of trade that doesn’t just shake up the roster-it signals a shift in strategy, especially for a team still trying to squeeze another deep playoff run out of its veteran core.
Buddy Hield, in particular, leaves behind more than just box score contributions. He’d carved out a niche in the Warriors’ locker room, not just as a reliable shooter, but as a personality that kept things light.
His playful back-and-forths with Jimmy Butler-especially during media sessions-had become a fan-favorite subplot. So it was fitting that Hield’s farewell came with a wink and a grin.
Posting to Instagram, he shared a photo of some Warriors teammates on the bench with the caption: “I’m going to miss almost all of my teammates.” Classic Buddy-one last jab, likely aimed at Butler, in their ongoing, good-natured feud.
Hield arrived in the Bay ahead of the 2024-25 season and made an immediate impact. He played in all 82 games during his first year with the team, and through 44 games this season, he was still a key part of the rotation. His averages-8 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game on 34.4% shooting from deep-don’t leap off the page, but his floor spacing and veteran presence gave Steve Kerr another dependable option on the wing.
Still, the Warriors saw an opportunity to upgrade, and they took it.
Kristaps Porzingis, when healthy, adds a whole new dimension to Golden State’s frontcourt. He stretches the floor as a legitimate three-point threat, protects the rim, and can create mismatches with his size and skillset. For a team that’s long thrived on offensive versatility and defensive switchability, Porzingis fits the mold-at least on paper.
Of course, the big question is durability. Porzingis has never played a full season, and his injury history is well-documented.
But if the Warriors can manage his minutes and keep him upright, the upside is significant. He brings a scoring punch from the five spot that the team hasn’t consistently had, and his ability to space the floor could open up even more room for Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson to operate.
This trade wasn’t just about numbers-it was about fit, timing, and maximizing the window that still remains for this championship core. The Warriors are betting that Porzingis can help them make one more run. Once the All-Star break wraps and the stretch run begins, we’ll get our first real look at how this new piece fits into the puzzle.