The Golden State Warriors may be looking to shake things up after a narrow escape from the Play-In Tournament, and a bold move could be on the horizon: targeting Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo to form a formidable Big 3 alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green—with potential room for Jimmy Butler if future moves align.
According to a speculative report from Sporting News’ Caleb Hightower, the Warriors could be planning to move on from Buddy Hield, whose recent shooting struggles have made him more of a liability than an asset. In his place, they may set their sights on Adebayo, a $166 million All-Star with elite two-way potential.
Note: This trade rumor is based on analysis and projections. No official confirmation has been made by either team.
Why the Warriors May Move On from Buddy Hield
Initially brought in as a potential successor to Klay Thompson, Buddy Hield’s production has declined significantly:
- December: 30.5% from three
- January: 31.5%
- Play-In Game vs. Memphis: Just 1-of-4 from deep
While his season average of 37.0% from beyond the arc looks solid on paper, the month-by-month decline tells a different story. As Hightower put it, “He’s looked more like a fraudulent Splash Brother as time has progressed.”
| Month | 3P% | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Early Season | >35% | Hot start |
| December | 30.5% | Slipping |
| January | 31.5% | Continued decline |
| Play-In Game | 25.0% | Ice-cold |
Why Bam Adebayo Makes Sense for Golden State
Adebayo is no longer just a defensive anchor—he’s become a complete frontcourt threat.
2024–25 Stats:
- 18.1 PPG
- 9.6 RPG
- 4.3 APG
- 48.5% FG / 35.7% from three
His ability to score inside, stretch the floor, and initiate offense from the high post fills several gaps in the Warriors’ current roster. Defensively, pairing Adebayo with Draymond Green would give Golden State an elite frontcourt duo capable of switching and protecting the rim.
How Adebayo Would Fit with the Warriors
- Scoring Punch: Brings interior and mid-range scoring options
- Playmaking: Offers ball-handling and distribution from the frontcourt
- Defense: Reinforces the Warriors’ identity on that end of the floor
Potential Trade Framework
Proposed Deal:
- Warriors receive: Bam Adebayo
- Heat receive: Buddy Hield, draft picks, and/or young players
While the trade wouldn’t improve Golden State’s perimeter shooting, it would land them a proven All-Star capable of anchoring both ends of the court. For Miami, acquiring Hield could support a retooled roster with added shooting depth.
What’s Next?
Golden State’s urgency to make a move will likely depend on their postseason run. But if they fall short, expect front-office discussions to intensify. Bam Adebayo’s versatility and All-Star caliber play might just be the missing piece for another championship push in the Curry era.
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