The Warriors' blockbuster trade to acquire Jimmy Butler at this year's deadline struck players emotionally after realizing what they had to give up for the six-time NBA All-Star.
The move included parting ways with fan and team favorite Andrew Wiggins, in addition to shipping Kyle Anderson, Dennis Schröder and Lindy Waters III away in the deal. A little more than one month later, Warriors guard Buddy Hield confessed he wished he was among those players if it meant the Warriors got to keep Wiggins.
"When guys were traded, it was a rough day for [Warriors coach Steve Kerr]," Hield said Wednesday on 95.7 The Game's "Steiny & Guru." "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 a guy like that, I hated to see him go like that because he's done so much for this franchise.
"And I said, 'Man, I wish that was me,' because he's put his mark on this franchise, and I know how much he meant to this franchise and the city of San Fran."
A very selfless outlook from Hield on an emotional trade.
Wiggins spent five-plus seasons with the Warriors and undeniably helped them win their fourth title during his impressive 2021-22 NBA season and playoff performance. But after the Warriors' 2024-25 campaign quickly was headed downhill, they had to make a dramatic move to see a dramatic change.
Brandin Podziemski revealed that emotions were high when the team learned of the trade on Feb. 5, admitting tears were shed when they had to say their goodbyes.
