The Golden State Warriors aggressively pursued a superstar at the February 5, 2026 trade deadline but ultimately settled for ending the Jonathan Kuminga saga by trading him and veteran shooting guard Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks for stretch-big Kristaps Porzingis.
Everyone has weighed in on the move — including longtime Warriors rival LeBron James.
On the latest episode of his podcast “Mind the Game” alongside co-host Steve Nash, LeBron discussed several major deadline deals, including Golden State’s trade. He said he believes the Warriors will miss Buddy Hield for his speed and shooting.
With all due respect, LeBron James is dead wrong.
The Warriors Are Having a Tumultuous Season
Things have taken a sharp turn for the worse in the Bay Area over the last month:
- Jimmy Butler III tore his ACL, effectively ending any slim remaining hopes of contention this season.
- A bold bid to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo failed — likely signaling he will never come to Golden State.
- After settling for Porzingis, the Warriors learned Stephen Curry will miss more time with persistent knee swelling and pain (no structural damage on MRI, but no firm return timeline).
The season is teetering on the edge. Playoff hopes have dwindled to almost nothing.
What the Porzingis Trade Actually Offers
The deal gives Golden State a chance to reset:
- Move on from the Kuminga drama
- Clear Buddy Hield’s contract off the books for next season
- If a bigger move becomes available this summer, Porzingis (pending free agent) can be flipped in a sign-and-trade (if he approves)
- If not, they can negotiate a reasonable new contract given his injury/illness history and limited availability
On the court, Porzingis is an ideal fit — as Nash noted on the podcast. LeBron agreed he’s perfect for the Warriors’ system and style. He also acknowledged what everyone knows about Kuminga: extremely talented but never found consistency or a true role in Golden State.
Then LeBron turned to Hield, saying it “must have been hard” for the Warriors to give him up and that they’re going to miss his “speed and shooting.”
And that’s where he’s completely off base.
Buddy Hield Was Hurting the Warriors More Than Helping
By the trade deadline, Hield was effectively out of the rotation. On a roster loaded with shooting guards, he was pushed to the fringe.
- He shot just 34.2% from three this season — barely delivering as the movement shooter he’s supposed to be.
- He was one of the very worst defenders in the NBA.
- He did not facilitate ball movement to any meaningful degree — a non-negotiable in Steve Kerr’s system.
- The Warriors were significantly worse when he was on the court (negative on/off numbers, poor defensive impact, low efficiency).
Simply put: the team is better just by removing Hield — never mind the massive salary relief for next season (his deal comes off the books).
LeBron is speaking to Hield’s reputation — the threat of his shooting still forces defenses to react, he’s a likable locker-room guy, and he’s been a respected shooter for years. But James clearly isn’t paying attention to how Hield has actually played in 2025-26.
Bottom Line: Warriors Are Better Off — Present and Future
No matter where this season goes (likely play-in at best), Golden State is better in the present and better positioned for the future by moving off Hield and his contract. Porzingis gives them size, shooting, and switchability they desperately needed — without the defensive liability Hield had become.
Sorry, Mr. The King — you missed on this one.
Warriors fans: Do you agree LeBron got this wrong? Happy to see Hield gone and Porzingis in? Comment your take below and share if you’re ready to move forward with the new look!