Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh’s familiarity with the Warriors organization played a major role in Atlanta’s decision to pursue Jonathan Kuminga, according to Angelina Martin of NBC Sports Bay Area.
Saleh previously spent three seasons working in Golden State’s front office, a stretch that allowed him to closely evaluate Kuminga’s development and long-term upside.
That firsthand experience made Saleh comfortable moving quickly when the chance to acquire the young forward presented itself.
“I was there for, I think, [Kuminga’s] first three years,” he said. “For us, [the trade] made sense given our timeline and what we’re trying to do. I think a 23-year-old with a ton of potential – I think the things that he helps us with are his rim pressure that he puts on. He’s a phenomenal athlete. He’s a good rebounder. I think in transition, he could be absolutely phenomenal, and he adds size at the wing position if we ever need to add another defender to guard one of these bigger wings in the league. So, I’m really excited about Jonathan.”
For Kuminga, the move represents the fresh opportunity he had been seeking for some time. That reset finally arrived Thursday, when the Hawks landed him along with Buddy Hield in a deal that sent Kristaps Porzingis the other way.
While Kuminga is currently sidelined with a bone bruise in his left knee and is expected to miss time through the All-Star break, Atlanta remains optimistic about the impact he can make once he’s healthy and back on the floor.
Saleh also highlighted the value Hield brings to the roster, particularly his perimeter shooting, and noted that his “hilarious” personality should be a welcome addition to the team’s locker room culture.
Hawks Notes: Kuminga, Hield, Landale, Okongwu, Saleh https://t.co/p9ZRNdO3ww pic.twitter.com/AWmLAYlfIr
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 8, 2026
