The NBA trade deadline delivered one of its more surprising moves when the Golden State Warriors sent Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis. While the deal closed a turbulent chapter in San Francisco, it may have opened a far more dangerous one in the Eastern Conference-at least according to Draymond Green.
Draymond Green sees a nightmare matchup brewing in Atlanta
Even after parting ways, Green made it clear he believes Kuminga’s best basketball is still ahead of him. Speaking on The Draymond Green Show, the veteran forward issued a warning to the rest of the league about what could be coming once Kuminga settles in with the Atlanta Hawks.
He can go become a cornerstone of that franchise with Jalen Johnson-those two guys running downhill at you in transition, good luck.
That’s high praise coming from a former teammate who watched Kuminga’s development up close. The former No. 7 overall pick struggled to find consistent minutes under Steve Kerr, often sliding in and out of the rotation despite flashes of elite athleticism and two-way potential. Atlanta, however, offers a clean slate-and a system built to maximize speed, length, and versatility.
Draymond Green this season:
- 8.4 PPG
- 5.7 RPG
- 5.3 APG
- 1.4 3PM (career-high)
Kuminga will now line up alongside Jalen Johnson, the newly minted All-Star who has emerged as one of the league’s most devastating transition players. Together, the duo gives Atlanta two explosive wings who thrive attacking the rim, defending multiple positions, and pushing the pace after stops.
While Kuminga is currently sidelined with a minor knee issue, team sources believe it is not a long-term concern. Once healthy, his downhill style should mesh seamlessly with Johnson’s open-floor dominance, creating the exact kind of athletic pairing that gives opposing defenses nightmares.
What the trade means for Golden State moving forward
On the other side of the deal, Golden State is betting big on the upside of Kristaps Porzingis. When healthy, the 7-foot-3 big man offers rim protection, three-point shooting, and a floor-spacing presence that could open lanes for Stephen Curry in half-court sets.
That said, availability remains the central concern. Porzingis is currently managing an Achilles issue that also limited him late in his Atlanta tenure. The Warriors are hopeful rest and careful load management will allow him to contribute meaningfully down the stretch, but his injury history makes the gamble a risky one.
Still, Golden State clearly felt a philosophical shift was necessary. Kuminga’s uncertain role and stalled development created tension, and moving him allows the franchise to refocus around veterans while adding a different tactical dimension in the frontcourt.
Meanwhile, Atlanta appears energized by the move. With Kuminga and Johnson forming a long, fast, and aggressive wing tandem, the Hawks are leaning fully into a youth-driven identity that prioritizes athleticism and transition offense.
As Green’s comments suggest, the league may soon feel the effects. If Kuminga flourishes in a featured role, this trade could be remembered not just as a change of scenery-but as the moment Atlanta unlocked one of the NBA’s most dangerous duos.
The Warriors return to action Monday night at home against the Memphis Grizzlies, while all eyes remain on how quickly Kuminga’s next chapter begins to take shape in Atlanta.
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