Why would each team do this?

Chicago Bulls

For the Bulls, this trade represents a strategic pivot toward youth and long-term upside. By acquiring Jonathan Kuminga, Chicago secures a young, athletic forward with star potential who could eventually become a foundational piece of their rebuild. Kuminga’s ability to grow into a two-way threat fits the Bulls’ need for a new core and provides a clear developmental direction. Even though they surrender a future first-round pick, the lottery protection safeguards them if the rebuild takes time and they struggle in the standings. To Chicago, the gamble is worth it: Kuminga’s ceiling is higher than anything they currently project from their roster, and investing in him now could accelerate the team’s transition into a new era.

Golden State Warriors

The Warriors approach this deal from a “win-now” lens as they look to maximize what remains of the Stephen Curry championship window. Adding Kristaps Porziņģis immediately fills critical needs for size, rim protection, and frontcourt scoring, providing a reliable pick-and-pop and floor-spacing partner for Curry. While Jonathan Kuminga has shown flashes of being a future star, consistency issues and timeline concerns make it difficult for Golden State to rely on him as a day-to-day contributor in the playoffs right now. The addition of a lottery-protected 2029 first-round pick creates optionality: it’s an asset they can keep for the future or reroute for a different veteran if needed. In their eyes, trading potential for proven impact is the appropriate sacrifice for another legitimate run at contention.

Atlanta Hawks

For the Hawks, the motivation is about depth, reliability, and immediate roster balance. Acquiring Tre Jones gives Atlanta a steady, defense-first point guard who can organize the offense and bring composure to a team that has sometimes struggled with decision-making. Zach Collins complements their frontcourt rotation with versatility — capable of playing either the four or five and offering solid interior presence without needing high usage. Neither player is a star, but both raise the floor of the roster and make the supporting cast around Atlanta’s main pieces sturdier and more complete. This move signals a desire to reinforce the lineup with trustworthy contributors who help stabilize gameplay, improve rotation flexibility, and give the coaching staff more lineup options heading into the postseason.