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Warriors Pivot From Giannis Pursuit to Porzingis, Eye Post–All-Star Debut as Front Office Message Faces Pushback

Golden State is managing Kristaps Porzingis’ health with a planned Feb. 19 debut under Rick Celebrini’s program.

Overview

  • GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. said Draymond Green was not in trade talks, but Green recounted being told he or Jimmy Butler would be needed to match salary in a Giannis Antetokounmpo deal.
  • The Bucks rejected Golden State’s proposals, and the Warriors then acquired Kristaps Porzingis from the Hawks for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield.
  • Porzingis met the team in Los Angeles, worked out with the medical staff, and is slated to debut after the break against Boston on Feb. 19; he expressed confidence in contributing.
  • Dunleavy acknowledged Porzingis’ availability risk, likened it to Kuminga’s durability concerns, and framed the move as a calculated bet within the team’s win‑now window and summer flexibility.
  • With Stephen Curry sidelined and Butler out for the season with a torn ACL, Golden State sits 28–25 in a tight West race as it waits for Porzingis to bolster size, spacing and rim protection.