The Atlanta Hawks have reportedly agreed to trade veteran center Kristaps Porzingis to the Golden State Warriors for forward Jonathan Kuminga and guard Buddy Hield according to ESPN’s Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania, and earlier today The Morning Shift explained why they think this is a great low risk, high reward deal for the Hawks.
“I think there is some upside the only thing I can come away with, and I’m sure you guys probably feel the same way, is when we’ve heard from Onsi Saleh he always talks about optionality, that’s exactly what this is you get a team option for next year for [Jonathan] Kuminga and you only owe Buddy Hield I believe three million dollars guaranteed for next season, so it gives you that optionality for sure.” Mike Johnson said
Kuminga is a 23 year old high-upside wing on a controllable contract, as he has a team option for $24.3 million next season, and despite never gaining firm traction in Steve Kerr's rotation Kuminga averaged 12.5 points on 50.3% shooting in his 278 career games with the Warriors. If the former seventh overall pick plays well for the Hawks he could end up being a part of the Hawks long term future, but if not the Hawks can part ways with him, and have his money off the books at the end of this season. The definition of a low risk, high reward deal.