The Golden State Warriors made moves ahead of the trade deadline on Thursday and received one-time All-Star Kristaps Porzingis. In doing so, the Warriors finally traded Jonathan Kuminga, a player who has longed to leave the Bay and have a fresh start. The team also traded guard Buddy Hield to the Hawks.
With Porzingis, the Warriors improved their defense. At 7-foot-2, the big man is a threat for anyone attempting to attack the rim. Additionally, he can stretch the defense with his ability to score beyond the 3-point arc. In his 10-year career, the center shoots a respectable 36.6% from deep.
After the trade, however, one-time NBA champion Kendrick Perkins ripped Porzingis. According to Perkins, he believes the deal doesn’t do anything for the Warriors’ bid to contend for the championship.
“I forgot he still played basketball,” Perkins said. “I’m serious. I haven’t heard his name until tonight, he does absolutely nothing for me. When you talk about what we’ve been discussing over the two weeks, we’ve been talking about pairing Steph with Giannis.
Perk on Kristaps:
"I forgot he still played basketball to be honest with you. I haven't heard his name til tonight" pic.twitter.com/HWx53ayqNV
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) February 5, 2026
“Now all of a sudden, it’s just Kristaps Porzingis. That don’t move the needle for me and it damn sure don’t move the needle for the Warriors and Steph Curry.”
While Porzingis can still compete at a high level, his injury history has made it difficult for him to be available. This season, he’s only appeared in 17 games for the Hawks.
The Warriors expect a healthy version of Kristaps Porzingis
Kristaps Porzingis has not played basketball for almost a month. During that stretch, the big man has been sidelined due to left Achilles tendonitis. Amid his injury issues, the Warriors are optimistic that they’ll get a healthy version of the star center.
“The Warriors hope to get Porzingis back healthy and productive for the stretch run. He hasn’t played since Jan. 7, but team sources said they anticipate Porzingis will make his return soon after joining Golden State,” ESPN’s Anthony Slater wrote on Wednesday.
The Warriors want to see Porzingis back in action to boost their playoff chances.
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