The Golden State Warriors have officially hit the reset button on their frontcourt - and in the process, closed the book on the Jonathan Kuminga era.
In a multi-team deal that’s turning heads across the league, Golden State is sending Kuminga and veteran sharpshooter Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks. In return, the Warriors are acquiring 7-foot-2 center Kristaps Porzingis, a high-upside, high-risk addition to a roster still trying to squeeze every ounce of championship contention out of the Steph Curry window.
The Warriors also moved backup big Trayce Jackson-Davis to the Toronto Raptors for a second-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft - a pick originally owned by the Lakers.
Let’s break this down.
Kuminga’s Rollercoaster Ride Ends in the Bay
Drafted seventh overall in 2021, Kuminga came into the league with raw athleticism and sky-high potential. For stretches, he showed flashes of being a future star - explosive slashes to the rim, defensive versatility, and moments where it looked like he could be the bridge between the Warriors’ present and future.
But the fit never fully clicked.
Between injuries, inconsistency, and a Warriors system that demands high-IQ decision-making and off-ball movement, Kuminga struggled to find a permanent role in Steve Kerr’s rotation. He was benched during last year’s playoffs, requested a trade in the offseason, and returned only because his contract was manageable and the market didn’t materialize.
Early this season, it looked like things might be turning around. Kuminga was playing within the flow of the offense, defending with purpose, and complementing Curry the way the Warriors had always hoped.
But that momentum stalled. He was benched for over a month, and while a trade seemed imminent, an ACL injury to Jimmy Butler temporarily reopened a spot in the rotation.
Kuminga returned for one full game - and then got hurt again. That second game back turned out to be his last in a Dubs uniform.
Enter Porzingis: A New Fit, a Familiar Risk
Porzingis brings a completely different skill set to the Warriors’ frontcourt. At 7-foot-2 with a career 36.6% mark from beyond the arc, he can stretch the floor in a way Golden State hasn’t had at the center position since maybe ever. The idea of pairing Porzingis with Curry in pick-and-pop sets or using his gravity to open up driving lanes is tantalizing.
But there’s a catch - and it’s a big one.
Porzingis has battled injuries throughout his 10-year NBA career, and this season has been no different. He’s played in just 17 games and hasn’t suited up for Atlanta in nearly a month.
While his $30.7 million expiring deal gives the Warriors some flexibility this summer, it also comes with risk in the short term. If he’s healthy, this is a potential game-changer.
If not, it’s another swing that could miss.
Hield Out, Rotation Clears Up
Buddy Hield, 33, had some playoff moments last year and was a popular locker room presence, but he’s seen his minutes dwindle this season. His $9.2 million salary was essential in matching Porzingis’ contract under the league’s salary cap rules, and with his role already diminished, the move makes sense from a roster construction standpoint.
Jackson-Davis Heads North
Trayce Jackson-Davis, a second-round pick in 2024, never quite carved out a consistent role in Golden State’s deep frontcourt. Averaging just over 11 minutes per game, he was more of a depth option than a rotation staple.
With Porzingis now in the fold, the Warriors had a logjam at the four and five spots. Moving Jackson-Davis to Toronto not only helps clear that up but also gives the young big a chance to find more meaningful minutes - potentially on a playoff-caliber team.
What This Means for the Warriors
This deal likely ends any long-simmering dreams of landing Giannis Antetokounmpo - a pursuit the Warriors had reportedly been eyeing for years. Instead, they’re making a bet on Porzingis as a high-upside fit for their current core.
It’s a bold move. Porzingis, when healthy, is a rare blend of size, shooting, and rim protection.
He could give the Warriors a new dimension - something they’ve been searching for since their championship run in 2022. But the health questions are real, and with Curry still playing at an elite level, Golden State doesn’t have time to waste.
For Kuminga, the move to Atlanta could be the fresh start he needs. He’s still just 21, and in a system that gives him more freedom and minutes, he could finally tap into the potential that made him a top-10 pick.
And for the Warriors? This is a swing. Not a home run yet - but a swing with the kind of upside that could change the trajectory of their season.