The long-anticipated chapter in Jonathan Kuminga’s career concluded on Wednesday when the Golden State Warriors traded him to the Atlanta Hawks as part of a deal that brought big man Kristaps Porziņģis to Golden State. At just 23 years old, Kuminga spent over four seasons with the Warriors, having been selected as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft after showcasing his talents with the NBA G League Ignite.
Kuminga’s tenure with the Warriors was marked by inconsistency, particularly in the 2025-26 season, which saw him request a trade after being temporarily removed from the team’s rotation. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr reflected on the challenges Kuminga faced, stating that his raw talent was often mismatched with the team’s pressing need to compete for championships during his early years. “He needed the runway to make more mistakes. He needed the experience of being in the NBA and understanding what it was about,” Kerr observed, highlighting the difficulty of balancing player development with championship aspirations.
During his rookie campaign, Kuminga proved to be an asset, contributing to the Warriors’ fourth NBA title under Kerr, including multiple strong performances in the playoffs. However, as the seasons progressed, he struggled to tap into his full potential, often facing criticism for defensive lapses and not securing a consistent starting role on a championship-contending team.
Before the start of the current season, Kuminga signed a lucrative two-year contract reportedly valued at $48.5 million. He initially repaid the Warriors’ faith in him with a promising start, averaging 17.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists across his first nine games. However, a downturn in performance led to his loss of a starting position and ultimately to issues related to injury.
Kuminga saw a brief resurgence as injuries to teammates opened the door for playing time, but unfortunate setbacks have continued to plague his season. His 20-point performance in a game against the Toronto Raptors showed flashes of his capability, but a subsequent knee injury hindered his progress.
As the Warriors continue to struggle in their quest for another championship, the organization’s short-term roster adjustments have overshadowed Kuminga’s development. Nevertheless, this trade marks a new beginning for the young forward in Atlanta, offering an opportunity to thrive without the weight of championship expectations hanging over him. With the right environment and support, Kuminga has the potential to unlock his future and contribute significantly to his new team.