Hawks GM Onsi Saleh reveals intimate knowledge of Kuminga's potential, seeing a dynamic, athletic cornerstone for Atlanta's future.
Jonathan Kuminga arrived in Atlanta as more than just a deadline acquisition, and the Hawks’ front office made clear it views the 23-year-old forward as a long-term building piece rather than a short-term experiment.
Speaking Saturday after Atlanta finalized its trade with Golden State, Atlanta Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh outlined why the organization targeted Kuminga as part of the deal that also brought guard Buddy Hield to the Hawks in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis.
Saleh’s evaluation carried unusual weight. Before joining Atlanta’s front office, he spent three seasons in the Golden State Warriors organization, overlapping directly with Kuminga’s early NBA development. That familiarity, Saleh said, shaped both the Hawks’ confidence in the player and the timing of the move.
Saleh explained that his history with Kuminga gave Atlanta a clear understanding of what the former lottery pick could become in a different environment.
“Obviously, I know JK really well,” Saleh said. “I was there for, I think, [Kuminga’s] first three years.”
Atlanta’s front office framed the trade as one rooted in alignment — age, trajectory and organizational direction converging at the right moment. Saleh emphasized that Kuminga’s profile fits what the Hawks are trying to build moving forward, particularly as they balance competitiveness with longer-term growth.
“For us, [the trade] made sense given our timeline and what we’re trying to do,” Saleh said. “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.”
Saleh then detailed the specific on-court attributes that stood out to Atlanta during internal evaluations, pointing to physical tools that can translate immediately once Kuminga is fully integrated.
“He’s a phenomenal athlete,” Saleh said. “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.”
Those qualities reflect what made Kuminga the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, even if his role in Golden State never fully stabilized. Surrounded by established stars and championship expectations, his development often came in fits and starts. Atlanta believes a different competitive context could allow those traits to surface more consistently.
Saleh closed his remarks by reinforcing the organization’s belief that Kuminga’s best basketball is still ahead of him, a sentiment echoed across the Hawks’ front office following the deal.
“So, I’m really excited about Jonathan,” Saleh said.
Kuminga averaged 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 20 games this season with Golden State, playing just under 24 minutes per night. While those numbers offered flashes rather than full confirmation, Atlanta views them as a baseline rather than a ceiling.
The Hawks also see value in pairing Kuminga’s athleticism with a roster that can provide space, transition opportunities and defensive versatility on the wing. His ability to pressure the rim and rebound outside his position aligns with Atlanta’s desire to become more dynamic in pace and matchup flexibility.
Saleh briefly addressed the other half of the trade as well, noting that Hield’s personality and experience should help the locker room during a period of adjustment. Still, it was Kuminga who dominated the conversation — not as a reclamation project, but as a player Atlanta believes is positioned to take a meaningful step forward.
For the Hawks, Saleh’s comments underscored the intent behind the deal: acquiring a young forward they know well, trust internally and believe can grow alongside the franchise’s evolving core.