Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy spoke Saturday about the team’s moves during the February 5 trade deadline, highlighting the acquisition of Kristaps Porzingis and a 2026 second-round pick. “Feel good with what we did adding Kristaps for sure, adding a second round pick… most importantly want to thank the guys that we traded. Buddy, JK, Trayce, they all contributed to our franchise in a positive way,” Dunleavy said.
He emphasized the on-court benefits of the Porzingis trade. “We love the player in Kristaps. So we think he can help us with some of the stuff on court… his rim protection, his ability to score, get fouled, take care of the ball, all things that we’re looking to improve particularly after losing Jimmy,” Dunleavy explained.
Addressing concerns about Porzingis’ injury history, Dunleavy expressed confidence in the team’s medical staff. “There’s no guarantees, there’s no certainty, but with where he’s at right now, we feel good about it,” he said, noting that the Warriors were trading out players with similar availability challenges.
Dunleavy also discussed roster flexibility after the deadline. “We like the flexibility… we converted Pat [Spencer], which we were really excited about… we’ve got one more spot to play with and we’ll scour the buyout market and see what’s available,” he said.
On pursuing high-profile targets, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Dunleavy stressed the team’s commitment to improving. “We’re willing to do whatever it takes to improve this team… as long as we’re in the win-now window… we had the fourth-best record in the NBA over the last calendar year,” he said. He clarified that Draymond Green was never seriously on the trade block. “Nothing was close… he was not being shopped or talked about in deals,” Dunleavy added.
The GM also reflected on the team’s post-trade trajectory. “Adding Kristaps can help, but this group is kind of what it is… we still have the firepower to move forward and do more deals,” he said. He cited Porzingis’ expiring contract as a factor for financial flexibility, while noting a pathway to bring him back next season.
Dunleavy addressed the team’s expectations without Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry. “We got to get healthy… Steph’s been out… I’m anxious and interested. I don’t really have expectations because it’s kind of an unknown for us… but I know we’ll be really competitive,” he said.
On outgoing players, Dunleavy praised contributions from Buddy Hield, Jonathan Kuminga, and Trayce Jackson-Davis. “We appreciate JK’s contributions… just didn’t work out. Wish him well,” he said. He added that roster spots and financial flexibility remain key considerations. “Keeping the books clean is a factor, but our chips are all in on winning and usually that comes with spending,” Dunleavy said.
The Warriors, now 28-25, continue their 2025-26 season with a home matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday, aiming to integrate Porzingis into the rotation.
