New Warriors Rumors on Giannis, Kawhi Leonard, Jaren Jackson Jr. Trade Pursuits at NBA Deadline
The Golden State Warriors targeted several star players ahead of the 2025-26 trade deadline, according to ESPN's Anthony Slater and Ramona Shelburne.
"In the lead-up to the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 5, the Warriors checked in on Jaren Jackson Jr., Giannis Antetokounmpo and were among the teams to make a call about Kawhi Leonard when it appeared the LA Clippers might be open for business, league sources said," Slater and Shelburne reported Friday.
Per Slater and Shelburne, the Warriors eventually "pivoted to their backup option" after missing out on all three players by sending Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Kristaps Porziลฤฃis.
Leonard and Antetokounmpo both stayed with their respective teams as the deadline passed, while Jackson was traded from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Utah Jazz as part of an eight-player swap.
The Warriors' need for more contributions from their frontcourt was evident leading up to the deadline, especially after Jimmy Butler suffered a season-ending torn ACL.
Porziลฤฃis has only played in one game with Golden State following the trade, as he's been sidelined due to an illness.
Meanwhile, Kuminga has excelled following the change of scenery. He's averaged 21.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.7 steals per game on 67.7/55.6/77.3 shooting splits across three appearances with the Hawks.
The Warriors currently hold the No. 8 spot in the Western Conference standings with a 32-30 record.
