Buddy Hield’s Emotional Revelation: ‘I Wish It Was Me’ – Reflecting on Warriors’ Blockbuster Jimmy Butler Trade

The Golden State Warriors’ decision to acquire Jimmy Butler before the February 6 trade deadline sent shockwaves through the NBA. The blockbuster deal saw the Warriors part ways with key players, including Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, Dennis Schroder, and Lindy Waters III, along with a protected first-round pick. While the move was a game-changer for Golden State’s championship aspirations, it also left deep emotional scars in the locker room—especially for sharpshooter Buddy Hield.

In a candid interview on 95.7 The Game’s “Steiny & Guru,” Hield expressed his heartfelt regret over Wiggins’ departure. The veteran guard revealed that he was so affected by the trade that he wished he had been the one dealt instead of Wiggins, emphasizing the former No. 1 overall pick’s invaluable contributions to the franchise.

A Trade That Shook the Warriors’ Locker Room

Trades are an inevitable part of professional sports, but some shake teams to their core more than others. When news broke that the Warriors had acquired Butler, excitement filled the air among fans and analysts alike. However, within the Warriors’ locker room, the atmosphere was far more somber.

“When guys were traded, it was a rough day for (head coach Steve Kerr),” Hield shared. “Especially with Wiggs, it was emotional in that locker room. I was even more emotional because I wish it was me that got traded because Wiggs did so much for this franchise.”

For Hield, the bond between Wiggins and the team was too strong to simply move on from. Wiggins had played a pivotal role in Golden State’s recent success, and his absence was deeply felt by both players and coaches.

Andrew Wiggins’ Impact on the Warriors

Wiggins, who joined the Warriors in 2020 in a midseason trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves, quickly became a cornerstone for the team. Though initially met with skepticism due to his inconsistent performance in Minnesota, he thrived under Steve Kerr’s system, becoming a two-way force and an essential piece of the Warriors’ 2022 championship run.

His ability to defend elite perimeter players, stretch the floor with his shooting, and provide a secondary scoring option behind Stephen Curry made him indispensable. In the 2022 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, Wiggins’ stellar defensive effort against Jayson Tatum played a crucial role in securing Golden State’s title.

“He did so much for this franchise,” Hield reiterated. “For a guy like that, I hated to see him go like that.”

Hield’s Surprising Willingness to Leave

Buddy Hield’s emotional response to Wiggins’ departure goes beyond just admiration—it was a reflection of his deep-rooted loyalty to his teammates. For a player to openly admit he would have preferred being traded in place of someone else is rare in the cutthroat world of professional basketball.

Hield, currently on a four-year, $37.7 million deal, has carved out a strong reputation as one of the league’s most lethal three-point shooters. Despite his role and importance to the team, his willingness to sacrifice his position for Wiggins speaks volumes about the Warriors’ team culture and camaraderie.

“It wasn’t just about basketball,” an anonymous team source revealed. “The bond these guys built over the years was real. It was never just about stats or contracts—it was about trust, respect, and shared battles.”

The Arrival of Jimmy Butler and What It Means for the Warriors

While Wiggins’ departure was tough for the team to swallow, the arrival of Jimmy Butler was seen as a move to bolster Golden State’s championship aspirations. Butler, a six-time NBA All-Star, is known for his tenacious defense, clutch performances, and leadership abilities. His fiery personality and never-back-down mentality could be exactly what the Warriors need as they gear up for another deep playoff run.

Pairing Butler with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green forms one of the most experienced and battle-tested cores in the league. However, integrating a strong personality like Butler into the Warriors’ system presents its own set of challenges. Will he fit seamlessly into Kerr’s motion-heavy offense? Will his leadership style mesh with Golden State’s culture? These are questions that will be answered in the coming months.

Steve Kerr’s Perspective on the Trade

Head coach Steve Kerr, who has seen his fair share of roster changes throughout his tenure, acknowledged the emotional impact of the trade but emphasized the need to focus on the future.

“It’s always tough saying goodbye to players who have been a big part of our success,” Kerr said in a press conference following the trade. “But in this league, you have to make tough decisions to stay competitive. Jimmy brings something unique to our team, and we believe he can help us reach our ultimate goal.”

How the Warriors Adjust Without Wiggins

The Warriors now face the challenge of adjusting their lineup and rotations in the wake of Wiggins’ absence. With Butler’s arrival, the team’s defensive schemes will likely shift, and the offensive balance could see changes as well.

Klay Thompson and Draymond Green will be expected to take on larger roles defensively, while Hield and Curry continue to carry the bulk of the perimeter scoring load. Meanwhile, young players like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody may see increased playing time as Kerr searches for the right mix of experience and youth.

For Hield, his response to the trade is a testament to the unbreakable bonds formed among teammates in the NBA. While he remains committed to Golden State, it’s clear that Wiggins’ departure left an impact that will linger long after the trade deadline.

Looking Ahead: Can Butler Bring Another Championship to the Bay?

With Butler now donning the blue and gold, the pressure is on for Golden State to maximize this opportunity. The Western Conference remains as competitive as ever, with teams like the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Clippers all vying for supremacy. If the Warriors hope to reclaim their spot atop the league, Butler’s leadership and playoff experience will be critical.

As for Hield, his willingness to put team over self has only strengthened his bond with the organization. Though he remains a Warrior, his comments serve as a reminder that basketball is more than just a business—it’s about brotherhood, sacrifice, and the pursuit of greatness.

Final Thoughts The Warriors’ blockbuster trade for Jimmy Butler has set the stage for an exciting second half of the season. While the team adjusts to life without Andrew Wiggins, Buddy Hield’s emotional reaction underscores the deep-rooted camaraderie that exists within the Warriors’ locker room.

Only time will tell if this gamble pays off, but one thing is certain—Golden State is all in on the championship chase, and every player, from veterans to newcomers, will need to step up to make it happen.