Can Warriors Still Trade for Giannis? New NBA Rumors After Kuminga-Porzingis Deal

The Golden State Warriors still have ambitions of landing Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo after finally finding a new home for disgruntled forward Jonathan Kuminga, according to The Athletic's Nick Friedell.

Anthony Slater and Shams Charania of ESPN reported Wednesday night the Warriors are sending Kuminga and guard Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks for veteran big Kristaps Porziņģis.

Friedell followed up to report there's internal "hope" that Golden State is positioned for a Giannis swoop down the line: "The Warriors remain at least somewhat optimistic that if the Bucks don't move Antetokounmpo by Thursday afternoon's deadline, there will still be a chance to rekindle talks with the Bucks in the summer."

The trade deadline is Thursday at 3 p.m. ET. The Bucks still have time to arrange a deal involving Antetokounmpo, but one presumes a transaction of this magnitude wouldn't be left this late.

On its own, offloading Kuminga resolves one of Golden State's bigger problems. The 23-year-old didn't warm to the reserve role he occupied over the last few years, and his dissatisfaction was pretty clear.

The move also probably reflects the Warriors' attitude toward the likelihood of Giannis leaving Milwaukee midseason.

Friedell, along with colleagues Sam Amick and Fred Katz, reported that "there was an extended lack of communication from the Milwaukee side in recent days." That led Golden State and others to become "skeptical" the Bucks will go all the way and trade their franchise cornerstone.

Kuminga was theoretically a piece general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. could've included in a trade package right now for Antetokounmpo. His $24.3 million would've gone some way toward matching the salaries, and his age would've aligned with an inevitable post-Giannis rebuild.

However, the Warriors cleaned up their payroll for next year by adding Porziņģis, who's on an expiring contract, and losing two players who could've combined to cost almost $28 million. Hield has a partial guarantee of $3 million for 2026-27.

That added flexibility will be beneficial should Golden State relaunch its pursuit of Antetokounmpo, who's due to make $58.5 million.