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After trading for Jimmy Butler, the Warriors may have the most comical duo in the NBA on their hands.
The big-time deadline acquisition has formed a wholesome and hysterical bond with guard Buddy Hield. From playful jabs on social media to press conference banter, the two players seem to have become fast friends, and both are helping Golden State win games.
Since trading for Butler, the Warriors have gone 23-8 and navigated their way through the NBA Play-In Tournament to get to the playoffs. Hield had the best game of his postseason career in Game 7 against the Rockets, scoring 33 points and tying a playoff record with nine three pointers.
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Whatever chemistry Butler and Hield have formed is working, and the Warriors are going to need more big performances from both players to beat the Timberwolves in the second round.
Here's what to know about Jimmy Butler and Buddy Hield's relationship.
MORE: Buddy Hield ties Game 7 three-point shooting record
Jimmy Butler-Buddy Hield relationship, explained
Since Butler was traded to the Warriors, he's developed a friendly rivalry with Hield. For the most part, it all seems to have been a hilarious bit.
During the playoffs, Butler has regularly poked fun at Hield, from thanking everyone on the Warriors except for Hield after he missed Game 3 to criticizing his dribbling. Butler also posted a carousel of pictures of Hield to his social media after Game 4 with the caption: "felt nice might take down later."
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After Hield's amazing performance in Game 7, Butler had to give his teammate his flowers. Though he initially "pleaded the fifth", he came around in the postgame press conference.
These two will never let each other rest 😂 pic.twitter.com/Gz3cSltug2
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) May 5, 2025On Monday, Hield explained what his relationship with Butler is actually like during an appearance on 95.7 The Game. It starts from a place of admiration for the six-time All Star.
“I was a big fan of Jimmy [before he got to the Warriors]," Hield said. "I always loved Jimmy. My mom loves Jimmy. I just love the way he competes and the way he carries himself."
Hield also described their special bond off the court.
"I just know that when he came here, he was easy to get along with. That’s what I love about him," he said. "He’s a great connector, he’s a great team guy. Off the court, he’s a great guy that I’ve hung out with. He invites me to his house, we go to dinners, he takes care of me."
These two 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/3pi2ukywfc
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) May 5, 2025Hield had one more jab for Butler, however, after the Warriors 99-88 win over the Timberwolves in Game 1 on Tuesday. Apparently, Hield wearing the wrong shorts to start the game (he eventually led Golden State again with 24 points) was Butler's fault.
Buddy blamed Jimmy for his uniform mix-up 🤣😭 pic.twitter.com/qZNdeF4dOP
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 7, 2025MORE: Buddy Hield shorts, explained: Warriors guard wears wrong uniform in Game 1
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