The Golden State Warriors actually played it safe at the trade deadline, not risking all their assets to pursue a superstar.
It was not just about two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
At this season’s trade deadline, the Warriors front office has seen the outcome as two sides of a coin: one side is that they might obtain Antetokounmpo, but at the cost of compromising their future picks, and the other is obtaining Kristaps Porzingis by giving away two actual role players.
The 7-foot-2 Latvian center was already a target and one of the choices by Golden State even months before, per Shams Charania.
Before that…
The Kuminga saga has been ongoing for years, as there was a chemistry issue and an incompatibility with the system between head coach Steve Kerr, who could be in his last year this season due to an expiring contract that has not been renewed.
Initially, the Golden State was not in the hunt for another superstar; they just needed someone to fill the gap left by Kuminga or a modern big man who could fit with Kerr’s playbook.
However, the Jimmy Butler incident involving an ACL injury put urgency on general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. to use Kuminga as one of the significant assets to acquire a backup scorer for four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry.
Fast-forward to the week’s trade deadline
The plot thickens as the deadline approaches, with reports saying Jimmy Butler could be on the trade block to acquire Antetokounmpo, but the Warriors made it clear that Butler will not be included.
Since Butler will not be available for the trade, one of the Warriors’ assets left that could be sent to obtain the Greek Freak is Draymond Green, whom he also believes will be available in his uncertainty before the deadline.
It is supposed to be about 37-year-old Curry, maximizing his remaining prime by bringing in another superstar to help them reach another championship run.
However, the front office has come up with a safe choice that can help their superstar without compromising their assets and future in the next few years.
Porzingis might be an excellent addition for the Warriors, who needed a modern big, but it shows the organization is not giving it all for Curry after not acquiring a high-value superstar.
For now, he holds an expiring $30.7 million contract, which is a major one for the Dubs in the 2026 offseason to sign key players, and might also lead them to revisit the Giannis trade.
Ultimately, the Warriors did not win or lose the trade; it is just a fair share that could fill the gaps of both Atlanta and Golden State.
It was nothing to lose much for the Warriors, as they have kept Green, Butler, and future picks.
Not bad at all.
