Jimmy Butler, Golden State Warriors
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Jimmy Butler, Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors traded Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks at the deadline as part of the package to acquire Kristaps Porzingis. The deal sent Hield and Jonathan Kuminga to Atlanta, ending one of the NBA’s most entertaining friendships that developed over the last year.
Jimmy Butler and Hield became known for their playful dynamic during their time together in Golden State. The two constantly joked with each other and engaged in friendly trash talk that fans loved watching. But the trade separated them, at least geographically.
Their friendship, however, remains intact.
Butler Posts FaceTime Screenshot With Hield
Jimmy Butler, Golden State Warriors
Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesJimmy Butler, Golden State Warriors.
Butler recently posted an image on Instagram showing a screenshot of him FaceTime-ing with Hield. The post demonstrated that despite being on different teams now, the bond they formed during their time as Warriors teammates hasn’t changed.
Hield responded in the comment section with a joke about being traded away from Golden State. The exchange captured the playful nature of their relationship that made them fan favorites.
Butler and Hield’s friendship developed into one of the more unlikely duos in the NBA. They were constantly seen razzing each other and making jokes at each other’s expense. The bantering created genuine entertainment for fans who watched their interactions on the bench and in practice footage.
Despite the constant joking, the friendship ran deeper than just surface-level trash talk. The two worked out together during the offseason, building a genuine connection that extended beyond basketball. When Butler suffered a season-ending torn ACL in late January, Hield spoke about their conversations and his teammate’s mindset.
“He’s being Jimmy. He’s happy. Of course, injury, he wants to play. Everybody wants to play,” Hield said at the time. “I text him/call him. He’s in high spirits. For a person to be in high spirits after an injury like that just shows his character.”
That comment revealed how close the two had become. Hield checked in on Butler regularly after the injury and marveled at his positive attitude despite facing a devastating setback that ended his season.
Trade Ends Warriors Tenure for Hield
Buddy Hield, Golden State Warriors
Photo by Tim Warner/Getty ImagesBuddy Hield, formerly of the Golden State Warriors.
The Warriors made the Porzingis trade as part of their playoff push. They needed size and interior presence, and Porzingis provided that despite his injury history. The cost was Kuminga, who the organization had developed over multiple seasons, and Hield, who provided bench scoring.
Before being traded, Hield averaged eight points per game off the bench while shooting 34.4% from three-point range. He also contributed 2.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists in a reserve role. His production was solid if unspectacular, but his presence in the locker room and chemistry with teammates like Butler made him valuable beyond statistics.
The trade separated two players who clearly enjoyed playing together and had built a genuine friendship. Butler’s Instagram post shows that friendship will continue despite them wearing different uniforms.
Butler remains sidelined with his ACL injury and won’t return this season. Hield is now part of Atlanta’s roster as the Hawks continue their own season. But the friendship they formed during their time as Warriors teammates will outlast their time playing together in Golden State.