Warriors Chased Giannis Kawhi Jaren Jackson Jr, Landed Porzingis

Golden State quietly checked in on Jaren Jackson Jr., Giannis Antetokounmpo and even made a call about Kawhi Leonard before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, then "pivoted to their backup option" after missing out and sent Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta for Kristaps Porziņģis. The move aimed to bolster a thin frontcourt exposed after Jimmy Butler’s season ending torn ACL, but Porziņģis has played just one game for the Warriors due to illness while Kuminga has exploded with Atlanta. Golden State sits 32-30 and trails for position in the West. Merlin sees a team balancing urgency and risk. The Porziņģis gamble can change the floor plan if he stays healthy, yet the sudden rise of Kuminga leaves questions about what was traded away. Expect the roster to keep shifting as the Warriors hunt reliable size and scoring.