Warriors Acquire Former All-Star Big Man for Jonathan Kuminga

The Golden State Warriors made another trade deadline deal! For years, the Warriors were known for not pulling the trigger on any significant moves during the middle of the season. Then last year, they snagged Jimmy Butler in a shocking trade deadline move, and this year, they made another significant deal before the trade deadline. 

On Wednesday night, the Warriors traded away Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield for Kristaps Porzingis. 

A few years ago, this trade would have been considered a big deal. Porzingis was playing a key role on the Celtics during their championship run, and Kuminga looked like he was one of the more exciting young forwards around the league. 

Today, the trade feels a little different. Porzingis has been dealing with a mystery illness that has kept him out for long stretches over the last couple of seasons. Kuminga has been relegated to the Warriors' bench, unable to break into Steve Kerr's extensive rotation. 

For the Warriors, the move is low-risk. Porzingis is on an expiring contract. If he can’t get healthy or if the Warriors don’t like his fit on the roster, they can easily cut ties without costing themselves much. On top of that, they’ve rid themselves of Kuminga and all the drama and media intrigue that have surrounded him the last few years. 

Buddy Hield, a fan and locker room favorite, is also out the door. While it may hurt emotionally, Hield hasn’t been all that effective on the court for the Warriors. Additionally, he is owed a decent chunk of change over the next couple of seasons, and the Warriors want to keep their books as clean as possible. 

So while a sick and injured Porzingis isn’t the ideal return the Warriors would like for Kuminga, it isn’t all that bad and gives the Warriors flexibility for the future.