Buddy Hield Benched Again as Warriors Explore Trade Options and Frontcourt Reinforcements
The Golden State Warriors may have picked up a much-needed win Monday night, cruising past the Orlando Magic 120-97, but the story before tip-off centered around who wasn't playing - specifically, Buddy Hield.
Hield was once again left out of the rotation, marking his second straight DNP in what's been a frustrating season for the veteran sharpshooter. Through the year, he's averaging a career-low 7.9 points and 2.5 rebounds per game, shooting just 32.0% from beyond the arc - a steep drop-off for a player whose reputation is built on perimeter scoring.
His most recent appearance came last Thursday in Phoenix, where he logged just 10 minutes, scored three points, and turned the ball over twice. It was a performance that prompted head coach Steve Kerr to make a tough call - one he didn’t shy away from explaining.
“When you’re struggling, it's hard to find a role if you’re a role player,” Kerr said. “When you're winning, everybody's in a good spot... coach has a rotation that stays the same and roles are easier to find. But we're below .500, so roles are gonna change until we can find some momentum.”
That’s where the Warriors stand - a team trying to claw its way back to relevance in a loaded Western Conference, sitting under .500 and searching for answers. And in that search, Hield’s spot in the rotation has become collateral damage.
Contract Situation Adds Trade Flexibility
Hield is in the second year of a $37.2 million deal and is set to earn $9.2 million this season. The structure of his contract - partially guaranteed over the next two years - gives Golden State some flexibility. With his current role diminished and younger players stepping up, Hield’s deal could become a valuable trade chip, especially for teams seeking shooting depth or a near-expiring contract.
Pairing Hield’s salary with Jonathan Kuminga’s $22.5 million could allow the Warriors to swing bigger at the deadline. It’s a scenario that’s gaining traction, especially as the front office eyes impact players who can help right now.
Warriors Positioned as Trade Deadline Buyers
Despite their record, Golden State isn’t planning on standing pat. They’re being labeled as “buyers” ahead of the trade deadline, with a clear focus on strengthening the frontcourt. Four names have surfaced as realistic targets: Trey Murphy III, Nic Claxton, Daniel Gafford, and Robert Williams III.
Each brings something the Warriors are missing.
Murphy would give the team a legitimate third scoring option behind Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler - a wing who can stretch the floor, defend, and create his own shot when needed. That’s a role Golden State has struggled to fill consistently this season.
The other three - Claxton, Gafford, and Williams - all address the Warriors’ issues in the paint. Whether it’s rim protection, rebounding, or athleticism at the center spot, any one of them would provide a much-needed boost to a team that’s lacked interior presence on both ends of the floor.
What Could Hold a Deal Back?
While Kuminga and potentially Brandin Podziemski could headline a trade package, the Warriors may hit a snag when it comes to draft capital. They currently hold three draft picks, and with an aging core built around Curry, the front office is treading carefully. Moving too many future assets could leave the franchise in a tough spot down the road - especially if the current group doesn’t make a deep playoff run.
Still, with Hield’s role evaporating and trade season heating up, it’s clear Golden State is evaluating all options. Whether that means reshuffling the rotation or pulling the trigger on a major deal, the Warriors are in the thick of the deadline conversation - and that means change could be coming soon.