Warriors Top Brass Land Kristaps Porzingis to Help Stephen Curry After Giannis Antetokounmpo Deal Falls Apart

Golden State Warriors trade Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield to Hawks for Kristaps Porzingis.

Warriors Top Brass Land Kristaps Porzingis to Help Stephen Curry After Giannis Antetokounmpo Deal Falls Apart

Kristaps Porzingis (Image credits - Firstsportz)

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The Golden State Warriors front office have finally made their move before the trade deadline and it is not Giannis Antetokounmpo. In their first big move of the season, they agreed to trade Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks for veteran center Kristaps Porzingis. While Porzingis comes with a history of injuries, he does bring championship mettle after winning one with the Boston Celtics in 2024.

It has been a difficult period for the club over the last two weeks. After impressive performances at home in the 2025-26 campaign, the Warriors have suffered consecutive losses at the Chase Center. On Tuesday night, they suffered a humiliating 113-94 defeat to the Philadelphia 76ers, who had a setback of their own recently.

Since Jimmy Butler‘s ACL tear, the Warriors have lost five of their last seven games. At one point, it looked like the Warriors were making a run for the top six, but they seem to be losing ground. The loss dropped their record to 27-24 as they sit at eighth in the Western Conference standings. 

The trade for Kristaps Porzingis also sees the end to all the chaos surrounding Jonathan Kuminga. Things have been difficult for the 23-year-old over the last two years, with some blaming head coach Steve Kerr for the whole situation.

Acquiring Porzingis would have the Warriors pair Stephen Curry with a big man who can provide spacing as well. The Latvian international has struggled with injuries this season and is currently averaging 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 17 appearances. NBA Insider Shams Charania broke out the news of the trade:

The Golden State Warriors are trading Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks for Kristaps Porzingis, sources tell ESPN.

With Kuminga frozen out of the squad over the last few months and Hield struggling for game time, it made sense to trade the two players for a center. However, Dubs Nation will be hoping that Porzingis stays healthy during his time with the Warriors.

Warriors move on from Giannis Antetokounmpo

There is no doubt that Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the best players in the NBA today. There has been a lot of noise surrounding the Greek superstar of wanting to leave the Milwaukee Bucks. But Antetokounmpo went public with his desire to stay in Milwaukee and expressed his love for the city.

The Warriors were one of the strong suitors for the 2021 Finals MVP. They made their offer with multiple draft picks for Antetokounmpo earlier this week, but to no avail. It also appeared to the Warriors that the Bucks have no intention of trading their franchise player at the trade deadline this season.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Stephen Curry
Warriors were looking to link Giannis Antetokounmpo with Stephen Curry (Image credits – ESPN)

NBA Insider Brett Siegel reported that the Warriors made their move for Porzingis after the Bucks rejected their offer.

After a long meeting this afternoon, the Warriors quickly pivoted off their pursuit of Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo after being told Milwaukee would not be accepting their offer.

Despite the Bucks’ poor record, Antetokounmpo is posting MVP numbers and is currently averaging 28 points, ten rebounds, and 5.6 assists while shooting at 64.5% from the field. But the Bucks forward may stay for the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign.

Draymond Green had a heartfelt press conference

There have been a lot of reports over the last few days about Draymond Green‘s future with the Warriors. It is never easy to be traded away after spending nearly one and a half decades with the same franchise. After nearly 14 years, his name is suddenly part of real trade conversations, and not just as background noise.

Following the loss to the 76ers, the four-time champion was grateful for his time with the Warriors in his post-match press conference.

I’ve been here for 13 and a half years. That’s longer than 98% of NBA players. I don’t know that it ends at 13 and a half but if it does what a f—— run it’s been. I’ll take the fine for it. What a f—— run it’s been. So that’s just how I feel. I’m lucky. Grateful. My family has not had to move anywhere since I started my family. That’s incredible. I don’t take that for granted.

It was a raw and emotional press conference for the 35-year-old. But with the Warriors moving on from Antetokounmpo and trading for Porzingis, it looks like Green will remain with the Dubs for the rest of the season.

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