Butler and Hield Trade Jokes in Warriors’ Playoff Win

Houston, Texas — Jimmy Butler has kept the Golden State Warriors‘ locker room lively since joining the team from the Miami Heat on February 5. Despite his turbulent exit from Miami, he’s maintained a fun atmosphere as the Warriors compete in the 2025 Western Conference playoffs.

After a commanding win over the Houston Rockets on Sunday at the Toyota Center, Butler humorously pointed out an aspect of Buddy Hield‘s game that needed improvement. “And Buddy … stop trying to dribble the ball; I hate that,” Butler joked, mixing humor with a kernel of truth.

In the game, Hield, a well-known catch-and-shoot specialist with a career 39.7 percent shooting rate from beyond the arc, did not record any assists or turnovers, though Butler’s concerns about his dribbling were justified. The playful banter between Butler and Hield has been a regular feature since the trade.

On March 10, Butler responded to reporters asking about Hield calling him a “connector” by playfully advising, “Don’t listen to nothing Buddy says … ever.” He even jokingly acted out a moment that Hield had misrepresented in front of the media.

Hield fired back at Butler on March 20, following Butler’s impressive performance against the Toronto Raptors where he scored 16 points, had 12 assists, and obtained 11 rebounds. Hield teased Butler by saying he had a “sorry performance.” Additionally, Butler made light of Hield’s name, suggesting it should be spelled “B-u-d-d-i-e” and saying that “B-u-d-d-y” is “stupid.”

Despite their ribbing, it’s clear there is mutual respect and camaraderie between Butler and Hield. However, Hield may want to refine his dribbling skills as they prepare for Game 2 of the playoffs.