The Golden State Warriors have officially shifted gears away from their pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo, agreeing to a trade with the Atlanta Hawks that sends young forward Jonathan Kuminga and sharpshooter Buddy Hield to Atlanta in exchange for veteran big man Kristaps Porziņģis, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania on February 5, 2026.
This move marks the end of Golden State’s aggressive chase for the two-time MVP. Team sources confirmed the Warriors submitted multiple strong offers to Milwaukee over the past week—including packages built around Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, Draymond Green, and several first-round picks—but came away convinced in the last 24 hours that the Bucks have no intention of moving Antetokounmpo at this deadline. The Warriors now pivot to a more pragmatic upgrade at center while preserving key pieces for the stretch run.
Key Details of the Trade
- Warriors receive: Kristaps Porziņģis (expiring $30.7 million contract)
- Hawks receive: Jonathan Kuminga + Buddy Hield
Porziņģis, 30, has been a long-standing target for Golden State dating back to his playoff success with the Boston Celtics. The Warriors have long sought a true rim-protecting, floor-spacing big to pair with Draymond Green, and Porziņģis fits that mold when healthy:
- Elite shot-blocking and rim protection
- Reliable 3-point shooting (career ~36-38%)
- Pick-and-pop ability and spacing for Stephen Curry
However, availability remains the biggest question. Porziņģis has battled chronic injuries (including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and soft-tissue issues), appearing in only 17 games for Atlanta this season after playing just 42 of 82 for Boston last year. Warriors sources are optimistic he can return soon and contribute meaningfully in the stretch run.
The Warriors (currently 27-24, eighth in the West) hope Porziņģis can slot in as a starter or high-impact rotation piece, providing the frontcourt anchor they’ve lacked.
Kuminga’s Roller-Coaster Exit
The trade ends Jonathan Kuminga‘s turbulent five-year tenure in Golden State. The No. 7 pick in 2021 showed flashes of All-Star upside but never found consistent minutes or trust under Steve Kerr. Kuminga averaged 12.1 PPG and 5.9 RPG this season but was benched since January 22. Atlanta gets a high-upside, controllable wing to accelerate their rebuild.
Buddy Hield adds veteran shooting and spacing to Atlanta’s backcourt.
Additional Move: Jackson-Davis to Toronto
In a separate deal, the Warriors traded backup center Trayce Jackson-Davis to the Toronto Raptors for a Los Angeles Lakers 2026 second-round pick.
What This Means Moving Forward
- Draymond Green stays — Green was dangled in Giannis talks but now remains the emotional and defensive anchor of the core.
- No Giannis means no massive all-in swing — Golden State opts for a targeted upgrade at center rather than mortgaging the future.
- Focus shifts to health and chemistry — Porziņģis’ return could stabilize the frontcourt, but his injury history is a risk.
Warriors fans: Does Porziņģis feel like a win, or are you disappointed they couldn’t land Giannis? Is keeping Draymond the right call? Drop your thoughts below—this deadline delivered a solid move, but not the blockbuster many hoped for!