It’s no secret the Golden State Warriors didn’t land or pry Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks this season. In fact, no franchise succeeded in doing so, making the 2026 offseason far more important. This marks the unofficial end of the Warriors’ pursuit of Antetokounmpo, as team sources indicated they made several offers but pivoted after sensing the Bucks wouldn’t move him at the deadline. Golden State did, however, add Atlanta Hawks forward-center Kristaps Porzingis in a Wednesday night trade that sent Stephen Curry’s 6-foot-4 splash brother, Buddy Hield, along with forward Jonathan Kuminga, to the Atlanta Hawks.
The trade, which ends Kuminga’s five-season tenure with Golden State and gives him a fresh start in Atlanta, was first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania. “BREAKING: The Golden State Warriors are trading Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks for Kristaps Porzingis,” Charania wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The Warriors officially completed the deal on Thursday afternoon. “The Golden State Warriors have acquired forward-center Kristaps (KRIS-taps) Porzingis (Por-ZING-is) from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for guard Buddy Hield and forward Jonathan Kuminga,” the organization stated in a press release.
Porzingis, a 7-foot-3 veteran known for his shooting and rim protection, has appeared in just 17 games for the Hawks this season while dealing with an illness related to POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), which has sidelined him since January 7. The 30-year-old, who was traded to Atlanta last summer, is in the final year of a two-year, $60 million deal and will become a free agent next summer. When healthy, Porzingis brings spacing and defense to pair with Curry and the Warriors’ core, potentially elevating their playoff push.
On the outgoing side, Hield, 33, appeared in 44 games (three starts) with the Warriors this season, averaging 8.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 17.5 minutes per game. A 10-year NBA veteran, Hield owns career averages of 14.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 758 games (437 starts) with the New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Warriors. He was acquired by Golden State as part of a six-team trade on July 6, 2024.
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Hield’s three-point shooting hasn’t been as effective this year, as he’s currently shooting 34.4% from deep this season. That said, the Oklahoma product proved he could be a dangerous perimeter shooting threat alongside Curry in the Bay when red-hot. Hield shot 41.4% from deep in January and started the 2024-25 campaign with a 50% three-point shooting percentage in October and a 41.4% three-point shooting percentage in November.
Unfortunately for the former Philadelphia 76ers guard, his inconsistency made him a primary trade asset for the Dubs this year, making their decision to part ways with him unsurprising. Hield, earning around $20 million over the next two years, also helps Atlanta add shooting depth.
Kuminga, the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, heads to Atlanta after a roller-coaster stint in Golden State. This season, he’s averaging 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 23.8 minutes per game. In 13 starts, those numbers jump to 14.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 28.4 minutes. The 23-year-old has shown flashes of All-Star potential but struggled for consistent minutes under coach Steve Kerr, leading to trade rumors that finally culminated in this deal.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr addressed the trade, noting it was a tough decision but necessary for the team’s direction. “Finally, Jonathan Kuminga is free, right? He gets out of Golden State,” Kerr said in a post-trade presser, acknowledging the fresh start for the young forward while expressing excitement about Porzingis’ fit.
Trade grades from analysts are mixed, with both teams taking upside swings. The Warriors get a proven big man who can contribute immediately if healthy, while the Hawks invest in Kuminga’s youth and potential alongside Hield’s shooting. For Golden State, this move signals a commitment to contending now around Curry, who at 37 remains the franchise cornerstone. The Hawks, meanwhile, gain assets that could accelerate their rebuild or provide trade fodder down the line.
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, this deal reshapes both rosters and could have ripple effects across the league. Warriors fans will miss Hield’s splash potential, but Porzingis’ arrival offers new hope for a deep playoff run in the competitive Western Conference.