The Jonathan Kuminga saga came to an end for the Golden State Warriors at the trade deadline.
The Golden State Warriors‘ offseason in 2025 was dominated by the standoff with Jonathan Kuminga.
The uncertainty over whether he would be resigned or traded ended up impacting their own preparations for 2025-26.
No trades could be struck and a temporary arrangement was agreed. Now at the midseason trade deadline, it is all over.
Kuminga was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in a two-for-one deal with Buddy Hield, with Kristaps Porzingis heading to the Bay.
The reaction to Jonathan Kuminga’s trade
There has been lots of reaction to Jonathan Kuminga being traded to the Atlanta Hawks, where he will get a fresh start alongside their newly emerged franchise star Jalen Johnson.
Former NBA star Baron Davis says he is glad that Kuminga has left the Warriors, because it is best for his career to move on.
He told 95.7 “I’m definitely happy for him because he gets an opportunity to go somewhere and prove himself.”
Kuminga failed to win over Steve Kerr and was left out of key games when the roster was fully healthy.
Warriors beat reporter Anthony Slater explained that the demanding environment at Golden State was not conducive to Kuminga’s development.
He relayed quotes from Steve Kerr: “He needed the runway to make more mistakes…It was very tough not being allowed to make those mistakes.
“For us as a staff, it was tricky trying to develop him while we were trying to win. I think it’s as simple as that.”
Positive move for the Hawks
Former Atlanta Hawks star Jeff Teague expressed happiness at the trade – mostly because Kristaps Porzingis has been traded to the Warriors.
He told Club 520: “Shoutout to the Hawks getting Kuminga we got another 6’8 wing that we can use. I like the trade, I hated Porzingis on our team.”
Porzingis was traded to the Hawks from the Celtics last summer, and now he is reunited with former Boston teammate Al Horford on the Warriors.
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