The Golden State Warriors made a move at the trade deadline-but it wasn’t the blockbuster many fans were hoping for. Instead of landing a high-impact 3-and-D wing like New Orleans’ Trey Murphy III, Golden State pivoted in a different direction, acquiring oft-injured big man Kristaps Porzingis from the Atlanta Hawks.
It’s a gamble, no doubt. Porzingis has the kind of skill set that can stretch the floor and protect the rim, but he’s also working his way back from an Achilles injury-never a small detail when you're talking about a 7-footer.
The Warriors are betting that once healthy, he can give them a new dynamic in the frontcourt. But this wasn’t the move that had fans buzzing in the lead-up to the deadline.
Golden State had explored the idea of bringing in Murphy, a rising two-way wing who fits the mold of what they’ve historically valued-length, shooting, and defensive versatility. According to sources, the Warriors were ready to put together a package that included Jonathan Kuminga, an unprotected 2026 first-round pick, and a lightly protected 2028 first. That’s a significant offer, especially considering Kuminga’s recent flashes of growth and potential.
But New Orleans wasn’t biting. The Pelicans reportedly viewed the Warriors’ offer as built around what they considered “undesirable assets,” and weren’t moving Murphy unless they got at least three unprotected first-rounders in return. That’s a steep price, especially for a Warriors team already navigating a tight salary cap and a roster in transition.
So instead, the Dubs shipped Kuminga-along with Buddy Hield-to Atlanta in exchange for Porzingis. It’s a move that signals a shift in priorities. Rather than adding another wing to fit their traditional model, they’re rolling the dice on a frontcourt piece who, if healthy, could give them a different look offensively and defensively.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans opted to stand pat at the deadline, despite sitting near the bottom of the standings. That decision is even more curious when you consider they don’t control their own first-round pick this year.
They dealt their valuable pick swap with the Milwaukee Bucks to Atlanta before the season, so there’s little incentive to tank. Yet, they chose continuity over change.
For the Warriors, injuries continue to be a major storyline. Stephen Curry is expected to be sidelined through the All-Star break with a knee issue, and the team is banking on Porzingis being more available in the second half of the season than he was with Atlanta. That’s a big “if,” especially given his track record.
Looking ahead, there’s a bigger question looming: how aggressive will Golden State be this offseason? With Curry still playing at a high level when healthy, the clock is ticking to maximize the final years of his Hall of Fame career. The Warriors have made it clear they’re not ready to rebuild-but if they want to stay in the mix, especially in a deep Western Conference, they’ll need more than just a healthy Porzingis.
This deadline move wasn’t the splash fans were hoping for-but it might be just one step in a larger plan.