A surprising move in the Bay Area
The Golden State Warriors made waves by acquiring Kristaps Porzingis from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield. While the deal addressed Golden State’s long-standing need for size, the reaction around the league has been mixed — and former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins did not hold back.
Perkins delivers a blunt assessment
Speaking candidly about the trade, Perkins admitted that Porzingis had barely been on his radar in recent weeks. According to him, the Latvian big man had not made enough of an impact lately to significantly change the Warriors’ outlook. Perkins also questioned whether the move truly “moved the needle” for a team trying to reassert itself in a crowded Western Conference.
The trade appears to have materialized after Golden State failed to stay competitive in the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. With limited assets and a clear need for a starting center, the Warriors pivoted toward Porzingis as a more attainable option.
How Porzingis fits with Golden State
Porzingis is expected to step in as the Warriors’ starting center. During his brief stint with Atlanta, he averaged 17.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, shooting 45.7% from the field across just 17 appearances. In Golden State, he joins a lineup built around Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, and Draymond Green.
The move also reunites Porzingis with Al Horford, his former teammate from their time together with the Boston Celtics, adding a layer of familiarity to the frontcourt rotation.
What the Hawks gain
Jonathan Kuminga departs Golden State after nearly five seasons marked by flashes of promise and ongoing questions about his role. Issues surrounding playing time and fit ultimately contributed to his exit. This season, Kuminga averaged 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game while shooting 45.4% from the floor.
For Atlanta, the trade represents a reset, giving both Kuminga and Hield a chance to thrive in a new environment after Porzingis’ short and uneven tenure with the team.
High stakes in the Western Conference
With the Warriors currently sitting eighth in the Western Conference, the pressure is on for Porzingis to deliver immediate results. Whether he can elevate Golden State back into firm playoff contention remains uncertain, but the trade ensures he will have a prominent opportunity to prove his value.
