Warriors Coach Explains Benching Jonathan Kuminga Against Bulls: “Has Not Played Well Lately” 1 Dec 2, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (1) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) battle for position in the first quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Jonathan Kuminga Shipped Out as Warriors Make Stunning Trade for 1x Champion

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Feb 5, 2026 2:05 AM ET

Jonathan Kuminga is no longer part of the Golden State Warriors . ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Wednesday that Kuminga has been traded to the Atlanta Hawks for one-time champion Kristaps Porzingis. After a lengthy tug of war between the forward and the franchise, both sides are finally moving on from each other.

Kuminga appeared in 20 games for the Warriors this season, averaging 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists. The NBA player was mostly on the sidelines, but not because of injury. The 2022 champion was out of coach Steve Kerr’s rotation and didn’t play from Dec. 20 until Jan. 19. He will join a Hawks team that boasts a young core of Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher and Dyson Daniels.

Along with Kuminga, the Warriors are also trading veteran guard Buddy Hield. The 3-point sniper appeared in 44 games for the Warriors this season, but his numbers have dropped. He went from averaging 11.1 points last season to 8.0 this year.

BREAKING: The Golden State Warriors are trading Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks for Kristaps Porzingis, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/eqNWwCupEZ

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 5, 2026

The Hawks received an athletic forward in Jonathan Kuminga. The Warriors, meanwhile, have targeted Porzingis over the past few months, Charania reported. With the one-time All-Star, Golden State gets a stretch, rim-protecting big man.

Jonathan Kuminga’s trade signals the Warriors exit in the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes

Jonathan Kuminga has requested for a trade since he became eligible in Jan. 15. The oyung player has struggled to find a role under Kerr, especially after the Warriors traded for star forward Jimmy Butler last season.

After the deal, the Warriors’ place in a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade seems far-off. Kuminga could’ve been the young talent that the Bucks are looking for in a potential deal. However, recent reports indicate that the Bucks are focused on negotiating with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Miami Heat.

Kuminga’s trade also helps the Warriors keep Draymond Green, who has been mentioned as a potential trade piece in an Antetokounmpo swap.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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