On Wednesday evening, the Golden State Warriors shook up their roster by trading Buddy Hield and Jonathan Kuminga to the Atlanta Hawks for Kristaps Porziņģis, a move that surprised many fans hoping for a deal involving Giannis Antetokounmpo. This trade signals a significant shift in the Warriors’ approach as they attempt to address roster needs before the trade deadline.
Porziņģis, now 30, carries concerns due to recent health issues, including a diagnosis of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), which has limited him to only 17 games this season. His availability remains uncertain, casting doubt on his immediate impact. This deal also cost Golden State one of its young promising players in Kuminga, leaving fans and analysts to question whether this move truly improves the Warriors’ championship prospects.
Potential Swap for Trey Murphy III
Aside from the Porziņģis trade, the Warriors are reportedly considering other options to strengthen their squad. One notable possibility involves offering Draymond Green along with future first-round picks in 2026, 2028, and 2032 to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Trey Murphy III. This significant package could entice the Pelicans, who have shown reluctance to trade their sharpshooting forward.
Green’s contract is shorter by two years compared to Murphy’s, which adds a layer of salary cap flexibility. The Warriors may also benefit if Green attracts interest from other teams in future seasons, potentially resulting in beneficial moves down the line. More importantly, the trade would offer New Orleans multiple high-value draft picks, including a pick in the highly competitive 2026 draft—a selection the Pelicans had previously traded away. Although the Pelicans’ asking price remains high, Golden State’s assets appear adequate for negotiation.
Considering a Deal for Michael Porter Jr.
If acquiring Murphy proves difficult or if Golden State is unwilling to part with Draymond Green, targeting Michael Porter Jr. could be another viable strategy. One proposed deal includes sending Jimmy Butler’s contract alongside first-round picks in 2029 and 2031 to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Porter Jr. and Terance Mann. Despite the Warriors’ reluctance to trade Butler’s sizable contract, carrying this salary without receiving value hinders roster flexibility, especially with Stephen Curry entering his late 30s.
This proposed swap would bring one of this season’s top scorers in Porter Jr. to Golden State, along with a versatile role player in Mann. For the Nets, the trade would lower their competitiveness this season—potentially boosting their draft positioning—while acquiring valuable future picks and a contract that could be moved again before 2027.
A Final Attempt to Acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo
Though the Porziņģis trade might indicate the Warriors have given up on landing Giannis Antetokounmpo, some believe there is still a slim chance to reignite pursuit. A bold proposal would involve sending Jimmy Butler, along with multiple future first-round picks in 2026, 2028, 2030 (conditional if between picks 1-20), a 2031 first-round pick swap, and a 2032 first-round pick to the Milwaukee Bucks for Giannis.
This offer underscores the value Golden State places on multiple long-term assets, especially those picks expected to materialize after Curry’s eventual retirement. The inclusion of Butler’s contract might be repurposed in subsequent trades, potentially increasing its value. While challenging, this kind of trade would create a formidable pairing between Curry and Giannis, transforming the Warriors into a powerhouse contender in the competitive Western Conference.
Other Notable Trade Developments
In the flurry of trade deadline activity, the Warriors also moved T.J. McConnell to the Toronto Raptors, an adjustment that modifies their backcourt depth. Additionally, the Washington Wizards‘ deal for Anthony Davis was reportedly impacted by Trae Young’s situation, while Lonzo Ball was set to be waived following his own trade transaction. These moves reflect the complex dance of adjustments NBA teams make as they finalize rosters before the deadline.
The Warriors now face a crucial window with the trade deadline approaching. Their recent trade involving Porziņģis has raised questions about their current trajectory, but remaining offers on the table suggest that General Manager Bob Myers and the front office are not finished reshaping the squad. How effectively they capitalize on these last-minute opportunities could determine if Golden State remains a legitimate contender or begins a rebuilding phase. The coming days will be telling for a franchise still eager to chase a second championship era centered around Stephen Curry.
The Warriors had Porzingis as a target for the last couple of months and land the floor-spacing big man. For the Hawks, a high-upside wing for Quin Snyder and a sharpshooter on the wings. https://t.co/pEV8vSwruT
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 5, 2026
Kuminga was central to any in-season Giannis trade offer … all but confirming Golden State is out of contention for Antetokounmpo before Thursday's 3 PM ET trade buzzer.
Soon we find out if the Bucks are open to Miami or Minnesota … or if all this gets shoved into summer. https://t.co/Y2y9zVNCGw
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 5, 2026
The Pelicans asking price for Trey Murphy III, per @BrettSiegelNBA
– THREE first-round picks
– Young talent(https://t.co/IjM2QNjYPd) pic.twitter.com/7HhSD8NDgy
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) January 12, 2026
