Kuminga Debuts with Hawks
Jonathan Kuminga debuted for the Atlanta Hawks with 27 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals in his first game after being traded from Golden State. Meanwhile, Jaden McDaniels dropped 29 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 stocks (steals plus blocks) for the Timberwolves over Portland.
- The trade sent forward Jonathan Kuminga and guard Buddy Hield to the Hawks, with center Kristaps Porziņģis going to the Warriors. - Kuminga's debut for Atlanta was delayed by a left knee bone bruise, causing him to miss six games after the trade. - Before the trade, Kuminga had fallen out of the regular playing rotation at Golden State, appearing in only seven of his last 38 games with the team. - The 23-year-old was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft. - Kuminga is earning $23.8 million this season, and the Hawks have a team option for $24.3 million for the 2026–27 season. - Tensions between Kuminga and Warriors coach Steve Kerr reportedly grew over the past year, contributing to the trade. - For the season, Jaden McDaniels is averaging 15.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game for the Timberwolves. - In his last five games, McDaniels has been on a defensive tear, averaging 3.0 blocks and 1.8 steals per contest.
