The Golden State Warriors might not be chasing a blockbuster deal for Anthony Davis, but that doesn’t mean they’re sitting out the trade deadline action. In fact, there’s a scenario brewing where Golden State could step in as a third team in a multi-team deal-one that could bring Kristaps Porzingis to the Bay and reunite him with a familiar face in Al Horford.
Now, let’s be clear: the Warriors aren’t rumored to be in on Davis himself. That sweepstakes appears to be circling around the Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors, the two teams most closely linked to the 10-time All-Star. But with Davis potentially on the move and Porzingis’ $30.7 million contract likely to be part of the outgoing package, there’s a lane here for Golden State to get involved-without giving up major assets or draft capital.
A Logical (If Not Flashy) Move
Here’s the framework that’s been floated: Golden State sends Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Dallas Mavericks, and in return, they bring in Porzingis. It’s not the kind of headline-grabbing move that would send shockwaves through the league, especially with names like Michael Porter Jr. and Trey Murphy III still floating around as bigger targets.
But in terms of fit, flexibility, and short-term upside? It makes a lot of sense.
The Warriors have been looking to offload Kuminga’s deal in exchange for an expiring contract, and Porzingis fits that bill. That’s important for a team trying to maintain future cap flexibility while still making a push in the present-especially now, with Jimmy Butler sidelined due to injury. Adding Porzingis gives them a legitimate scoring option in the frontcourt and a much-needed boost at the center position.
The Risk-Reward Equation
Of course, with Porzingis, the conversation always circles back to health. Availability has been his Achilles’ heel.
Since his breakout sophomore season in 2016-17, he’s only topped 57 games once. This year’s been more of the same-just 17 appearances so far for the Hawks, and only five since December began.
But when he is on the court, Porzingis remains a highly productive player. He’s averaging 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.3 blocks in just 24.3 minutes per game, while shooting a solid 36% from deep. That kind of efficiency, especially in a limited role, is exactly what the Warriors could use as they try to stabilize in the wake of Butler’s absence.
And let’s not forget what he did in Boston. Just last season, Porzingis was a key cog in the Celtics’ title run, putting up 20.1 points, 7.2 boards, and nearly two blocks per game.
His chemistry with Horford was a big part of that success-the two bigs often shared the floor in a double-big lineup that gave opposing teams fits. Reuniting them in Golden State could give the Warriors a new look, one that adds size and spacing without sacrificing offensive flow.
A Calculated Swing, Not a Desperate One
This wouldn’t be a “we’re-all-in” kind of trade for Golden State. It’s more of a calculated swing-one that acknowledges their current situation while keeping an eye on the bigger picture.
If Porzingis stays healthy, he could be a difference-maker. If not, his contract comes off the books this summer, giving the front office room to pivot.
And that’s the key here. The Warriors aren’t banking on this move to turn them into instant contenders.
They know that without a major shakeup, their title hopes this season might already be slipping. But this deal?
It’s low-risk, potentially high-reward, and it gives them a chance to regroup and reassess once the dust settles.
In a trade market that’s been slow to heat up, this is the kind of smart, flexible move that keeps the Warriors in the mix-without mortgaging their future.