In a stunning three-team trade, the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Atlanta Hawks have reshaped their rosters to address critical needs for the 2025-26 NBA season. The Warriors, fresh off a second-round playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves, acquire a true big man in Jarrett Allen and sharpshooter Georges Niang to bolster their defense and spacing. The Cavaliers, also eliminated in the second round by the Indiana Pacers, land promising young wing Jonathan Kuminga to add athleticism and scoring. Meanwhile, the Hawks, who missed the playoffs entirely, gain two-way reserves Moses Moody and Dean Wade to deepen their rotation. Here’s the deal breakdown and why each team would—or wouldn’t—pull the trigger on this speculative blockbuster.
The Trade Framework
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Moses Moody, Dean Wade
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (sign-and-trade, 4-year, $85 million contract), 2027 2nd-round pick (via CLE, from ATL)
Golden State Warriors Receive: Jarrett Allen, Georges Niang, 2025 2nd-round pick (via CLE, #59), 2026 2nd-round pick (via CLE), 2029 2nd-round pick (via CLE, from ATL), 2031 2nd-round pick (via ATL)
Why the Warriors Would Do This Deal
The Warriors’ second-round loss to the Timberwolves exposed their lack of size and defensive answers for dominant bigs like Julius Randle. Jarrett Allen, a former All-Star center, addresses those issues seamlessly. Defensively, pairing Allen’s elite rim protection (only 2.1% defensive foul rate, 97th percentile among bigs) with Draymond Green’s versatility creates a formidable frontcourt. Allen’s 77% shooting at the rim (93rd percentile for centers) and 59% midrange shooting (94th percentile) make him a reliable third scoring option alongside Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler. Georges Niang, acquired as a high-volume shooter (41.3% from three on 6.6 attempts post-trade to Atlanta), adds much-needed floor spacing. Despite his defensive limitations, Niang’s 6’8 frame and basketball IQ allow him to hold his own in most matchups. The four second-round picks provide future flexibility for a Warriors team looking to maximize their championship window.
Why the Warriors Might Hesitate
Allen’s postseason struggles are a red flag. In the Cavaliers’ series against the Pacers, he averaged just six rebounds over Games 4 and 5, raising questions about his toughness under pressure. As a non-shooter, Allen could exacerbate spacing issues, especially if paired with Green in the starting lineup. Niang, while a reliable shooter, can be targeted defensively in playoff scenarios due to his lack of athleticism, potentially limiting his impact. Trading away Jonathan Kuminga, a young talent with star potential, is a steep price for a Warriors team that values long-term upside.
Why the Cavaliers Would Do This Deal
Stuck in the second apron and outmuscled by the Pacers in the playoffs, the Cavaliers desperately need athleticism and toughness. Jonathan Kuminga, only 22, brings both. His 30-point explosion in Game 3 against Minnesota showcased his ability to take over games, and his 72% rim finishing (87th percentile among wings) and knack for drawing fouls (94th percentile) make him a dynamic scorer. Kuminga could thrive as a third option behind Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, easing their offensive burden. His athleticism and defensive potential, though inconsistent, align with Cleveland’s need for a versatile wing. The 2027 second-round pick adds minor draft capital to a team looking to retool.
Why the Cavaliers Might Hesitate
Kuminga’s shooting is a glaring weakness. His 35% midrange and 66.8% free-throw shooting could clog Cleveland’s offense, even with Mitchell, Garland, and Evan Mobley creating space. Defensively, Kuminga has the tools but lacks consistency, which may not fully address the Cavs’ need for toughness. Losing Jarrett Allen, a cornerstone of their rim protection, could weaken their defensive identity, especially against bigger teams. The sign-and-trade commitment to Kuminga’s $85 million deal also adds long-term financial risk for a team already navigating cap constraints.
Why the Hawks Would Do This Deal
After missing the playoffs, the Hawks have $40 million in cap space to improve their rotation without altering their promising starting lineup of Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu. Moses Moody, a career-best 37.4% three-point shooter on 4.6 attempts, addresses Atlanta’s need for shooting while offering solid defense with his 7’0 wingspan. His 72% rim finishing (82nd percentile among wings) adds versatility to the second unit. Dean Wade provides frontcourt depth with his 36% three-point shooting and strong perimeter defense, helping stabilize Atlanta’s bench. Both players are cost-controlled, fitting comfortably within the Hawks’ cap space and providing rotation stability for a team looking to gel.
Why the Hawks Might Hesitate
Moody’s playoff struggles, particularly when Curry was injured, raise concerns about his ability to step up in high-pressure moments. His finger injury, which required surgery post-playoffs, adds uncertainty about his reliability. Wade’s injury history—he hasn’t played more than 60 games in the last four seasons—could limit his impact as a depth piece. The Hawks are giving up four second-round picks, which, while not premium assets, could be useful for a team still building out its roster.
Final Thoughts
This three-team trade is a bold move for all parties. The Warriors gain size and shooting to complement Curry and Butler, potentially unlocking a new defensive ceiling. The Cavaliers bet on Kuminga’s upside to inject youth and athleticism into their core. The Hawks, with cap flexibility, add two rotation players to support their young lineup without sacrificing future potential. While risks abound—Allen’s playoff woes, Kuminga’s shooting, and Moody/Wade’s health—this deal could reshape each team’s trajectory for the 2025-26 season. As with any speculative trade, it’s a high-stakes gamble, but one that could pay dividends for all three franchises.