Onsi Saleh certainly keeps us on our toes...
Who ever thought for a second that the Hawks wouldn't make a splash at the deadline? If the front office's mentality during this past offseason and in the early-year negotiation period were any indicator, Hawks fans knew they were in for a thrilling week with the trade deadline approaching.
Well, near the end of a 48-hour period that saw several stars get unexpectedly relocated, Atlanta decided it was finally time to get in on the action. Clearly the Jock Landale trade wasn't enough.
Just before midnight, ESPN's Shams Charania reported, "The Golden State Warriors are trading Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks for Kristaps Porzingis, sources tell ESPN."
HEY.
— Zach Langley (@langleyatl) February 5, 2026
WOAH. https://t.co/E6LTMBrUkR
Porzingis getting dealt was looking more and more like a certainty with each passing minute, but this specific return package had never once been rumored. The move is justifiable from both sides, but as a whole almost seems unnecessary.
It could end up benefitting each franchise in both the immediate and the long-term, but unlike the Landale deal for Atlanta, there is risk involved. That said, it's hard to put a grade on such a wild move without letting more time pass.
That's why this job isn't for everyone. Let's take a look at how each organization did:
Golden State Warriors – Kristaps Porzingis: C+
On paper, a 7'3" stretch big should fit seamlessly alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. The idea of Kristaps Porzingis, however, is much better than the reality of Kristaps Porzingis.
Playing in just 17 out of Atlanta's 52 games this season before being dealt, it's difficult to know when he'll actually be able to put on his new uniform.
Where their front office excelled in this trade is getting off of long-term money. Golden State now has much more flexibility moving forward. Bringing on Porzingis' expiring $30 million contract for two players potentially owed money next season is a risk worth taking.
Atlanta Hawks – Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield: B-
The Hawks have explored just about every way to potentially move off of Porzingis' deal. This one, while not perfect, was creative. The potential upside they could be receiving outweighs the value of an expiring veteran.
For more than the last year, Jonathan Kuminga has been in desperate need of a change of scenery. Steve Kerr, for reasons beyond the knowledge of the average fan, has been reluctant to include the talented young forward in the lineup.
He still has plenty of potential on both ends just waiting to be unlocked, and Quin Snyder could be just the guy to aid that.
Buddy Hield hasn't been having a great season in Golden State, either, but is a perfect system fit in Atlanta. His contract looks intimidating at first, but he's only guaranteed $3 million next season, ensuring the Hawks will keep the same flexibility they entered last offseason with.
Okay.
— Zach Langley (@langleyatl) February 5, 2026
I can’t say I expected that.
Now, it's deadline day. At 3 PM ET, teams will no longer be able to make trades until the offseason. Atlanta still has work to do, as they need to trim down their roster quickly to make these moves official.
Buckle up, Hawks fans. In Onsi we trust.
