The Golden State Warriors, known for their knack for identifying and nurturing under-the-radar talent, have made a surprising move that has sent ripples through the basketball world. In a dramatic roster shake-up, the Warriors have parted ways with 6-foot-7 combo-forward Kevin Knox, trading him from their G-League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors, to the Windy City Bulls. The deal, reported by Forbes’ Evan Sidery via X on Monday afternoon, saw the Warriors acquire a 2026 first-round pick in exchange for the former lottery pick.
Knox, selected No. 9 overall by the New York Knicks in the 2018 NBA Draft, was a player the Warriors hoped could rediscover his potential and contribute to their championship aspirations. After spending three seasons with the Knicks and a brief stint with the Atlanta Hawks in 2021-22, Knox returned to the G-League with Santa Cruz in 2024 for his second stint with the Warriors’ developmental squad. There, he showcased his immense talent, dominating with averages of 25.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game over 12 contests. His shooting efficiency was equally impressive, boasting a 52.7% field goal percentage and a scorching 44.4% from beyond the arc.
This stellar G-League performance earned Knox a call-up to the Warriors’ main roster for the 2024-25 season. However, his time in the NBA spotlight was short-lived and underwhelming. In 14 games with Golden State, Knox struggled to find his rhythm, averaging just 3.3 points per game while shooting a mere 26.7% from three-point range. His inability to translate his G-League success to the NBA stage ultimately led to the Warriors’ decision to move on.
The trade to the Windy City Bulls, the G-League affiliate of the Chicago Bulls, marks a new chapter for the 26-year-old forward. The move to a rebuilding Eastern Conference organization could provide Knox with a fresh opportunity to showcase his skills and potentially earn another shot at an NBA roster. For the Warriors, the acquisition of a 2026 first-round pick adds valuable draft capital, signaling their intent to continue building for the future while maintaining flexibility in their roster construction.
This decision marks the end of a brief but hopeful chapter for Knox and the Warriors. While his G-League dominance hinted at a possible career resurgence, his struggles in the NBA underscored the challenges of transitioning from the developmental league to the world’s premier basketball stage. As the Warriors shift their focus to the 2025-26 season, this trade serves as a reminder of their willingness to make bold moves in pursuit of sustained success.