Jonathan Kuminga is on track to play for the Atlanta Hawks earlier than initially announced.
Kuminga arrived in Atlanta prior to the trade deadline after the Hawks acquired him from the Golden State Warriors. The team sent big man Kristaps Porzingis to the Dubs in exchange for Kuminga and veteran sharpshooter Buddy Hield.
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While Hield has already played a game for the Hawks, though, Kuminga has yet to make an appearance. Before he was traded, the 23-year-old forward was already injured with a bone bruise in his left knee.
Kuminga last played on Jan. 22 against the Dallas Mavericks and has been sidelined ever since then. Since joining the Hawks, he has missed six straight games.
Former Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) arrives at the arena before a game.© Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
(© Stephen Lew-Imagn Images)
Last Wednesday, the Hawks announced that Kuminga is “progressing in his rehabilitation” and would be re-evaluated in a week. Now, less than one week since the update, it looks like Kuminga is ready to return.
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On the Hawks’ injury report for Tuesday’s game against the Washington Wizards, Kuminga has been upgraded to questionable. Anthony Slater of ESPN added that the young forward is expected to play in his first Hawks game.
“The Hawks have upgraded Jonathan Kuminga to questionable tomorrow night vs the Wizards. The expectation is that he will make his Atlanta debut,” Slater wrote.
It remains to be seen if Kuminga will be under a minutes restriction should he be able to play against the Wizards. Whatever the case may be, it’s certainly an exciting time for Atlanta.
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Kuminga figures to be an important piece for the franchise as they build around All-Star forward Jalen Johnson.
In 278 games played for the Dubs, Kuminga averaged 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.4 blocks and 0.6 steals. However, he never had a featured role for the Dubs, as the team was focused on competing for a title instead of developing young talent.
With the Hawks, Kuminga is expected to have a role alongside Johnson.
If Kuminga isn’t able to suit up on Tuesday, he will have another chance when the Hawks play the Wizards again on Thursday.
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The Hawks also have games scheduled against the Portland Trail Blazers, Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers throughout the upcoming week.
Atlanta is 28-31 on the season, which puts it at the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks are in the thick of the play-in race, but they cannot be too complacent since they are only two games ahead of the No. 11 seed Milwaukee Bucks.
Related: Trae Young’s Last Post Before Trade to Wizards Was a Sign
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.