Jan. 15 looms large for Golden State, Charlotte, and Atlanta as each franchise evaluates key roster decisions outlined by ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
Warriors
The Golden State Warriors are expected to revisit the market once forward Jonathan Kuminga becomes trade-eligible on Jan. 15. According to Marks, the organization’s top priority is determining whether Kuminga’s $22.5 million salary can be packaged for a starting-caliber center or additional frontcourt depth.
Kuminga opened the season as a starter but has logged three consecutive DNPs. If a deal is not reached before the Feb. 8 deadline, Golden State could wait until summer, exercise the forward’s team option, and reopen discussions then. The Warriors remain hard-capped and sit just below the second tax apron, though they control all first-round picks from 2026 through 2032, providing long-term leverage despite limited short-term flexibility.
Hornets
After a full season of evaluation, the Charlotte Hornets must decide whether to continue building around guard LaMelo Ball. Marks notes that Ball’s scoring has declined this year, but he is averaging a career-high 8.5 assists. Durability is also a factor; the 22-year-old has exceeded 47 games played only twice.
Charlotte has yet to reach the playoffs during Ball’s tenure. The club is hard-capped but remains well below the first apron and holds a sizable trade exception, giving the front office room to maneuver. A collection of future first-rounders could be included in any larger roster overhaul.
Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks’ most immediate decision centers on Kristaps Porziņģis’ $30.7 million expiring contract. Acquired from Boston, the 7-foot-2 center has appeared in only 13 games because of illness and knee soreness. Marks writes that Atlanta can either allow the deal to expire and gain summer flexibility or explore trades ahead of the deadline.
While Trae Young’s long-term outlook is always under review, the Porziņģis contract represents the Hawks’ closest issue. Atlanta is hard-capped, sits below the first apron, and has a mid-sized exception available, alongside multiple valuable future picks.
The trade deadline arrives Feb. 8, leaving all three teams with a narrow window to decide whether to act now or reassess in the offseason.
Source: Hoops Wire
