NBA: Warriors guard prepared to be sacrificed in Giannis Antetokounmpo trade

Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield says he is prepared for the possibility of being traded ahead of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, with his name linked to a potential blockbuster move involving Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Hield, who joined the Warriors last summer, acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the deadline but said he views any possible move as part of the business of the league.

“Whatever happens, happens. I’m just thankful to have a job,” Hield said, via NBC Sports. “I just know that whoever gets traded, another team wants you, and I’m going to do my best to be with that team.”

If Hield is moved, it would be the fourth time he has been traded during the season. He was dealt from the New Orleans Pelicans to the Sacramento Kings in February 2017, from the Kings to the Indiana Pacers in February 2022, and from the Pacers to the Philadelphia 76ers at the 2024 trade deadline.

The Warriors acquired him from Philadelphia in July 2024 as part of a sign-and-trade.

The 31-year-old said his outlook on trades changed after being moved on from Indiana, where he believed he was a core part of the franchise alongside Tyrese Haliburton.

“I think after Indiana, it was just the business of basketball,” Hield said. “It is what it is. You can’t really get mad at it. You have your stint in the league and then after that it’s either one year or you’re traded the next year, trying to figure it out.”

Hield added that veteran players often take frequent movement as a sign they remain valued around the league.

“When you get older in the league, stuff like that happens,” he said. “Just trying to see how long you belong.”

Not everyone in the Warriors camp is as relaxed about the situation. Head coach Steve Kerr admitted the trade speculation has left parts of the roster unsettled as the deadline approaches.

“Lots of guys on our team are on edge,” Kerr said. “It does feel different. Every deadline feels a little different based on the circumstances. We’re in a weird spot now with Jimmy’s injury that’s thrown everybody for a loop. It does feel like it’s a little trickier this year and there are more possibilities, and as a result, lots of guys on our team are on edge.”

Multiple reports have suggested Golden State are willing to include all of their draft assets and any player other than Stephen Curry in a potential trade for Antetokounmpo. That list is understood to include Draymond Green, long viewed as a cornerstone of the franchise.

Kerr confirmed he has spoken with Green about the situation.

“Draymond and I have talked,” Kerr said. “What’s really tricky for him is this is the only place he’s ever known. He’s going to have a statue outside the building someday. It’s a really weird position for him to be in because there’s never really been a time in his entire career where he’s even had to think about putting on another jersey.”