Kristaps Porzingis is returning to the Western Conference.
The Golden State Warriors have traded for former NBA All-Star Porzingis from the Atlanta Hawks, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. He is joining the Warriors in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield.
Porzingis, 30, is a 2024 NBA champion with the Boston Celtics and was in his first season with the Hawks. However, he managed to play only 17 games for Atlanta due to a recurring illness.
When healthy, Porzingis averaged 17.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game this season. Unfortunately, he has not played since January 7, which raises concerns as he previously dealt with a rare illness called “POTS” while with the Celtics.
For the Warriors, the trade is a calculated risk. Kuminga, 23, had expressed dissatisfaction in Golden State and will now have the opportunity to become a key player for the rebuilding Hawks. Hield, 33, had a limited role this season, averaging a career-low of 8.0 points per game.
Porzingis is in the final year of his contract, valued at $30.7 million. By acquiring him, the Warriors can offer him the highest salary in free agency this summer. However, this move likely takes them out of the running for a trade involving Giannis Antetokounmpo, as Kuminga was a major part of their reported offer for him.