Warriors officially cut ties with disgruntled $48.5 million NBA champion via trade to Hawks

The Golden State Warriors knew they couldn’t end the 2025-26 trade season without a bang. 

The organization missed out on Giannis Antetokounmpo, but landed a viable consolation prize in Kristaps Porzingis. To do so, the Warriors were forced to cut ties with a disgruntled 6-foot-7 NBA champion forward.

“BREAKING: The Golden State Warriors are trading Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks for Kristaps Porzingis,” ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on X/Twitter. 

According to a Thursday afternoon press release, the deal is now official.

“The Golden State Warriors have acquired forward-center Kristaps Porzingis from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for guard Buddy Hield and forward Jonathan Kuminga,” the organization stated. 

“Kuminga, 23, appeared in 20 games (13 starts) for Golden State this season, averaging 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 23.8 minutes per game. Overall, he owns career averages of 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 278 games (97 starts) over five seasons with the Warriors.”

“Kuminga was originally selected by Golden State with the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft and was a member of the 2022 NBA Championship team.”

It was time for the Warriors to move on from Kuminga. The former lottery pick was unhappy with his role in the Bay, and it was clear Steve Kerr wasn’t eager to make any changes that could help Kuminga get back on the right track before it was too late. 

Kuminga averaged 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists on 45.4% shooting from the field and 32.1% three-point shooting in 20 games with the Warriors this season. 

Perhaps a change of scenery could help the 23-year-old reach his full potential and help him positively alter the narrative surrounding his two-way upside.

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