Warriors Land Porzingis As Kuminga Heads To Hawks In Deadline Shakeup

The Golden State Warriors have made a bold move at the 2026 NBA trade deadline, shaking up their roster and altering the landscape of the Western Conference. On February 4, 2026, the Warriors officially traded forward Jonathan Kuminga and guard Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for veteran center Kristaps Porzingis, according to multiple league sources and confirmed by ESPN insider Shams Charania. The deal, finalized less than 24 hours before the trade deadline, marks the end of a tumultuous five-season partnership between Kuminga and the Warriors, and signals a new direction for both franchises as they look to the future.

For the Warriors, this trade is more than just a roster adjustment—it’s a strategic pivot after the team’s high-profile pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo fizzled out. According to ESPN, Golden State had made several offers for the Milwaukee Bucks superstar, but the Bucks made it clear in the final hours that Antetokounmpo would not be moved at the deadline. With their sights set elsewhere, the Warriors turned to a player who’s long been on their radar: Kristaps Porzingis.

Porzingis, a 7-foot-2 center known for his rare combination of rim protection and three-point shooting, joins the Warriors on an expiring $30.7 million contract. His skill set is exactly what Golden State has been seeking—a big man who can stretch the floor and anchor the defense alongside Draymond Green. As one team source put it, "They’ve been on a persistent search for a rim-protecting center who can hit 3s and have long believed Porzingis would fit well in the frontcourt next to Draymond Green."

However, the Porzingis experiment comes with a significant caveat: availability. The Latvian big man has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career, and the 2025-26 season has been no exception. Porzingis has played in only 17 of Atlanta’s 58 games this season, sidelined by postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)—a nervous system disorder causing rapid heart rate and dizziness—as well as other injuries. He hasn’t played since January 7, 2026, but Warriors officials remain optimistic. "The Warriors hope to get Porzingis back healthy and productive for the stretch run," reported ESPN, with team sources anticipating his return soon after joining Golden State.

Despite his limited availability, Porzingis’s advanced metrics remain impressive. He ranks 11th in the entire league in Estimated Plus-Minus (EPM) and sits in the 91st percentile among big men for his 4.8% block rate. He’s also hitting 36% of his three-pointers on nearly 10 attempts per 100 possessions—a testament to his unique offensive arsenal. Even more, he’s maintained a low turnover rate throughout his career, a valuable asset in Steve Kerr’s fast-paced, read-and-react offense.

The Warriors’ current standing in the Western Conference is solid but not spectacular. As of early February, they sit at 27-24, holding the eighth seed and very much in the playoff hunt. The addition of Porzingis, if he can stay healthy, could provide the frontcourt boost the team desperately needs for a deep postseason run. His expiring contract also gives the Warriors flexibility moving forward, avoiding any long-term financial commitments.

On the flip side, the trade brings an end to Jonathan Kuminga’s roller-coaster tenure in the Bay Area. Drafted with high expectations, Kuminga never fully found his footing in Steve Kerr’s rotation, often struggling with consistency and decision-making. Over 278 career games with Golden State, he averaged 12.5 points on 50.3% shooting, showing flashes of brilliance but never quite earning a permanent starting role. This season, Kuminga’s frustrations boiled over—he was relegated to the bench, became a healthy scratch for extended stretches, and eventually demanded a trade on January 15, the first day he was eligible after signing a two-year, $46.5 million extension in September.

Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, went public in the media, seeking a new opportunity for his client. The Hawks, having recently traded star point guard Trae Young to the Washington Wizards, were in need of a scoring wing and saw potential in Kuminga’s athleticism and upside. Atlanta now has the chance to feature Kuminga as one of their primary offensive options—a role he has long craved but rarely received with the Warriors. As reported by The Bay Area News Group, "Kuminga is now expected to be one of the featured offensive stars for his new team, a role he has long craved but rarely received while with the Warriors."

Along with Kuminga, Atlanta takes on Buddy Hield’s contract, worth $9.6 million for 2026-27 and $10 million for 2027-28. Hield’s deal was widely considered a financial burden for Golden State, so moving it in this trade is seen as a win for the Warriors’ front office. For Atlanta, the willingness to absorb Hield’s contract suggests a long-term investment in Kuminga’s potential, even if it comes at a cost.

In a related move, the Warriors also traded backup center Trayce Jackson-Davis to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick originally owned by the Los Angeles Lakers. This transaction opened up a roster spot, allowing Golden State to convert two-way player Pat Spencer to a full-time contract. It’s a subtle but significant maneuver, as Spencer was just one game away from reaching the 50-game limit for two-way players.

Porzingis, now 30 years old, brings a wealth of experience, including a pivotal role in Boston’s 2023-24 championship run alongside now-teammate Al Horford. His ability to block shots and stretch defenses will be tested in Steve Kerr’s dynamic offensive system—a new challenge for a player who’s never operated in such a scheme. The Warriors are betting that Porzingis’s unique skill set and expiring contract make this a low-risk, high-reward gamble as they chase another playoff berth.

For the Hawks, the trade is a swing for upside. Kuminga, still just 23, will get a fresh start and a chance to play meaningful minutes on a team in transition. Atlanta’s future is uncertain, especially after moving on from Trae Young, but Kuminga and Jalen Johnson could form a formidable wing tandem if things break right. The Hawks’ playoff hopes this season may hinge on how quickly Kuminga adapts and whether he can unlock the potential that made him a coveted draft pick just a few years ago.

As the dust settles, both franchises are left with new questions and renewed hope. The Warriors have added a proven stretch big man to bolster their playoff push, while the Hawks have invested in youth and upside for the long haul. The NBA trade deadline always brings surprises, but this deal could have far-reaching implications for two teams looking to redefine themselves in 2026 and beyond.

With Porzingis expected to join the Warriors soon and Kuminga set for a starring role in Atlanta, all eyes will be on how these bold moves play out as the season enters its most critical stretch.