The Golden State Warriors have made a move with the trade deadline just hours away, but they are not getting Giannis Antetokounmpo. Instead, they are getting oft-injured Kristaps Porzingis in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield.
Who Goes Where
WARRIORS GET: Kristaps Porzingis
HAWKS GET: Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield
The 7-foot-2 center from Latvia will be a key addition to the Dubs’ frontcourt, but only if he’s actually available. Porzingis, in his short stint with Atlanta this season, only suited up in 17 games and averaged 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.3 blocks while shooting 36% from the three-point area and 45.7% from the field.
On the other hand, the high-flying Kuminga will finally be able to showcase his true potential for the Hawks. This season for the Warriors, the 23-year-old from the Democratic Republic of the Congo averaged 12.1 points, 5.9 boards, and 2.5 dimes while shooting 32.1% from beyond the arc and 45.4% from the field.
Hield, meanwhile, will join his sixth team since entering the NBA, and he’ll be expected to add some much-needed outside sniping to a Hawks roster long on slashing but short on shooting. He’ll also be bringing a veteran presence to a young squad.
Steve Kerr Finally Moves On from Kuminga
Notably, Kuminga finally got his wish to be traded and break free from Steve Kerr, who has time and again refused to give the former lottery pick consistent, substantial minutes. But with Jimmy Butler III out due to an ACL tear, Kuminga has gotten some burn to fill the scoring void left by Butler. However, Kuminga himself got injured and has been sidelined since January 23 due to a bone bruise and a minor hyperextension in his left knee.
Once back, Kuminga will be playing next to young, rising stars like Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. This change in environment is what the 23-year-old had been hoping for, and it just might be the change that will spur him to greater heights.
Out of the Giannis Antetokounmpo Sweepstakes?
Before this trade, Golden State had been previously tabbed as one of the likely landing spots for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. But by trading Kuminga and Hield, the Warriors might have lost potential pieces that could net them the Greek Freak.
For now, the Dubs will have to settle for Porzingis, and while he isn’t at the level of Antetokounmpo, he’s still a 7-foot-2 unicorn who can shoot the lights out and defend the rim. The Latvian big man has also proven that he can contribute to winning basketball, as he played a key role in the 2024 NBA championship season of the Boston Celtics.
