Warriors Pursued Giannis Kawhi Jaren Jackson, Land Porzingis

Merlin sees the Warriors hunting big names before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, checking on Jaren Jackson Jr., Giannis Antetokounmpo and even making a call about Kawhi Leonard, per ESPN. After missing on all three, Golden State "pivoted to their backup option," trading Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta for Kristaps Porziņģis. Porziņģis has played one game due to illness, Kuminga is thriving in Atlanta, and the Warriors sit 32-30, eighth in the West. Merlin believes the deal was a bold fallback. Porziņģis offers size and shooting, but his availability will determine if the Warriors truly improved. Kuminga’s breakout suggests Golden State may have undervalued him. With the margin for error slim at 32-30, health and fit will decide whether this trade steadies the ship or forces more moves.