Golden State Warriors center Al Horford, right, grabs a rebound against San Antonio Spurs guard Keldon Johnson (Image via AP Photo)

The Golden State Warriors made a major roster move in early February 2026, trading for Kristaps Porzingis from the Atlanta Hawks. Golden State sent Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta, signaling a clear shift toward competing now rather than building for the future.Porzingis has started adjusting to a lineup that includes Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler. His arrival has led to questions around the league about how much he can change the team’s outlook and whether the risk attached to his health is worth it.

Golden State Warriors address frontcourt need after Butler injury

General manager Mike Dunleavy pursued Porzingis to improve scoring and spacing in the frontcourt after Jimmy Butler suffered a season-ending injury. The trade became official on February 4 and reflected urgency from a team still focused on the playoffs.Letting go of Kuminga meant losing a young forward with long-term upside, while Hield’s departure removed reliable outside shooting. The Warriors accepted that cost to add a skilled seven-footer with prior championship experience in Boston.Porzingis came off the bench in his debut and has shared minutes with Quinten Post and Al Horford as the coaching staff works through rotations.

How Kristaps Porzingis signing gives a solid start, but durability still shapes the conversation

Kristaps Porzingis, nicknamed ‘The Unicorn’, is averaging 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. The Warriors will be the sixth team of his 10-year NBA career (Image via Getty)

Since the trade, Kristaps Porzingis has averaged about 17-20 points per game, hit over 40 percent of his threes in some appearances, collected 8-10 rebounds, and offered rim protection despite limited playing time.His ability to stretch the floor fits naturally with Curry’s movement and shooting range, which creates space for teammates. That spacing could help stabilize lineups adjusting to Butler’s absence.The concern is availability. Porzingis has played only a handful of games since the deal, and his injury history remains part of any evaluation. He is also 30, which adds to the debate about long-term value.

Productive player, but questions remain surrounding Porzingis

Porzingis has built his reputation on outside shooting and shot blocking, with a career three-point mark above 35 percent. Critics point to uneven defense and frequent injuries when arguing he is overrated.Before the trade, he averaged 17.1 points and 5.1 rebounds on efficient shooting. Some analysts have placed him among the league’s most overrated players due to declining athleticism. The Warriors are not expecting a franchise-level star, but rather a player who can raise their ceiling without forcing a full roster reset.

Golden State Warriors move on after Giannis pursuit falls short

Golden State Warriors had been linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo, but no trade developed. He publicly committed to Milwaukee, where he continues to play alongside his brothers Thanasis and Alex on a team sitting around the middle of the standings.With that option gone, the Warriors turned to a more realistic addition in Porzingis.

Porzingis is not the star Golden State once hoped to land, but he gives them size, shooting, and lineup flexibility. If he stays on the court, the trade could help their postseason chances. If not, the decision to move young talent will face stronger scrutiny.