Kuminga Debuts with Hawks
Jonathan Kuminga debuted for the Hawks with 27 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals in his first game since being traded from Golden State. The strong performance suggests he's quickly adapting to Atlanta's system.
- The trade that brought Jonathan Kuminga to Atlanta also included guard Buddy Hield, with the Hawks sending center Kristaps Porziņģis to the Golden State Warriors. - Kuminga's departure from Golden State followed a period of frustration over his role, where he reportedly had a strained relationship with coach Steve Kerr. Kuminga sought a more significant on-ball role, while Kerr envisioned him as a high-energy forward focused on defense and running the floor. - Before the trade, the 23-year-old had seen his playing time dwindle, appearing in just seven of his final 38 games with the Warriors. In the 20 games he did play for Golden State this season, he averaged 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds. - His debut for the Hawks was delayed by six games as he recovered from a left knee bone bruise sustained shortly before the trade. - Kuminga was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft and won an NBA championship with the Warriors in 2022. - The Hawks hold a club option for Kuminga's contract for the 2026–27 season, valued at $24.3 million. - The player Golden State received, Kristaps Porziņģis, had his own injury concerns, playing in just 17 games for Atlanta due to injuries and illness before the trade.
