The Golden State Warriors have yearned for a quality stretch five for years, especially since Draymond Green is a non-shooter, and the newest piece of the puzzle, Jimmy Butler, has attempted 2.0 threes per game since his arrival. ESPN’s insiders have floated a multi-team Warriors trade idea that would land one of the greatest shooting big men in NBA history — Kristaps Porzingis.
The mock trade would see the Warriors send Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks, and a protected first-round pick to the Mavericks.
Warriors would get: Kristaps Porzingis
Hawks would get: Anthony Davis, Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, Devin Carter
Mavericks would get: Zach LaVine , 2026 first-round pick (via Warriors, top-14 protected, otherwise 2032 second-round pick 31 to 50), 2027 first-round pick (via worse of Bucks and Pelicans, top-4 protected)
Kings would get: Trae Young , Luke Kennard
Pistons would get: Doug McDermott , Cash considerations
Ideal Warriors Trade Target
Porzingis, a career 19.6 PPG scorer, would be an incredible get for a Warriors team that ranks No. 22 in offensive efficiency and No. 14 in 3P%. Without Stephen Curry on the floor, the Warriors can count on only Moses Moody as a reliable long-range shooter, with Brandin Podziemski having his streaky stretches. A legit 7-footer like Porzingis, a career 1.9 threes per game sniper, would fit perfectly next to Green, Butler and Curry.
The Latvian is also a quality rim protector and shot-blocker, and his acquisition would mean that the Warriors, who rank No. 3 in defensive efficiency , would form a potent defensive frontcourt in Porzingis and Green.
“…Golden State finally moves on from Kuminga to get the kind of stretch 5 option the team has long sought, repairing Porzingis with former Celtics teammate Al Horford at the cost of a pick that extinguishes if the Warriors miss the playoffs,” wrote Kevin Peltoin.
Trade Deadline Awaits
To Pelton’s point, Porzingis and Horford were part of the Celtics team that captured the 2024 NBA title. While Porzingis came off the bench in the NBA Finals — with an ankle injury — the pair often started together for Joe Mazzulla’s team in the regular season. Horford has appeared in just 12 of the Warriors’ 25 games, but the organization believes he can provide valuable minutes in the playoffs, per insiders covering the team.
It also helps that Porzingis is on an expiring contract , giving the Warriors a five-month trial run with the big man before deciding on his long-term fit. This trade would also help them get a decent return for Kuminga, who is almost a lock to be moved.
Last season’s NBA trade deadline saw nine current or former All-Stars getting moved, marking the most midseason trades in a season. This year’s deadline promises to be just as exciting, with marquee names such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Davis, Trae Young and Zion Williamson potentially on the move.
It’s worth noting that the Warriors can’t move Kuminga until Jan. 15. The Indiana Pacers, New Orleans Pelicans , Sacramento Kings, and Phoenix Suns are reportedly interested in trading for his low-risk contract that includes a Team Option for 2026-27.
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