Kristaps Porzingis was the perfect Atlanta Hawk during his time with the organization this year. Not only did KP provide valuable championship experience to a young roster, but he was also an overwhelmingly positive locker-room presence and stellar floor spacer when he was able to share the hardwood with his fellow Hawks.
The only downside to Porzingis' time as a Hawk was his contract. Atlanta having $30M sitting on the books limited their long-term ability to sign other elite talent. That is, if he wasn't due for a new deal in the 2026-2027 NBA season.
Onsi Saleh almost certainly traded for Kristaps Porzingis with the primary intent to extend him long-term to a much more team-friendly deal. After the season went south, however, it was clear that both parties benefited from his departure.
While some Hawks fans may still be holding out hope that KP may be on his way back to Atlanta this summer, the latest report from Golden State insiders all but squashes that.
Kristaps Porzingis has fit like a glove with the Warriors
It's hard to compete when the opposition has Stephen Curry as an enticing teammate, after all. Porzingis has reportedly been 'enamored' with Golden State, and is already considering re-signing with the team long-term this summer.
KP has been the missing piece that the Warriors had been searching for all year long - a towering presence in the paint to complement Steph Curry's one-of-a-kind perimeter scoring. Unfortunately, the two haven't had the chance to share the court long-term just yet, thanks to Curry's lingering injuries.
The vision for Golden State is clear - nurse Jimmy Butler back to health in time for a playoff run in 2027, while trotting out lineups featuring Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford in the meantime.
It's certainly not a lineup with youngsters - in fact, the five-man lineup of Curry, Green, KP, Horford, and a healthy Butler would have a shocking average age of 37 years next season. Still, health permitting, this is a squad with real championship aspirations. After all, any team with Steph Curry is immediately a contender, especially when flanked by four former All-Stars.
To boot, it's overwhelmingly likely that Porzingis is elated to be reunited with his former teammate and fellow NBA champion Al Horford. Their time sharing the frontcourt for the Boston Celtics was marked with victory after victory, culminating in an impressive 2024 NBA title.
The Hawks wish nothing but the best to Kristaps Porzingis. While Atlanta certainly wishes they could get him back on that same cheaper contract envisioned earlier this year, Hawks fans can rest easy knowing that Porzingis - who brought so many positive vibes and highlight plays to Atlanta all season long - is happy with his new squad.