Buddy Hield
February 2026
Oklahoma retired Buddy Hield’s No. 24 jersey, honoring his 2016 All-American season that ended in a Final Four run. Hield was celebrated on court with family and members of the 2016 team present, then his banner was raised at Lloyd Noble Center.
Jonathan Kuminga
January 2026
Newly acquired Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga will miss at least one week with a left knee bone bruise, with evaluation planned after the 2026 All-Star break. Atlanta says the injury occurred on Jan. 22 while he was with Golden State. Kuminga and Buddy Hield arrived in the deal that sent Kristaps Porziņģis to the Warriors. Onyeka Okongwu returned versus Charlotte wearing a protective mask after a dental fracture.
Golden State Warriors/ Atlanta Hawks
January 2026
Golden State reportedly landed Porziņģis for size and stability, while Kuminga gets his requested move and Hield is included in the outgoing package to Atlanta. The write-up ties Kuminga’s trade to his reduced role and prior expectations he would be moved. Porziņģis is described as limited by health in Atlanta and last played January 7, while still providing spacing as a big.
Jimmy Butler
January 2026
Butler suffered a season-ending right ACL tear and will need surgery, forcing the Warriors to adjust rotations while trying to maintain momentum from a strong stretch of form. He landed awkwardly after contact, MRI confirmed the tear, and Kerr said the group will adapt by testing lineups, potentially reintroducing Kuminga, and leaning more on Horford, Melton, and developing bench pieces to cover Butler’s two-way impact.
Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies), Buddy Hield (Golden State Warriors)
Incident occurred Tuesday night, warning issued Thursday
Both players were issued formal warnings by the NBA for mimicking shooting gestures during a game. The league ruled the actions inappropriate but not violent in nature.
Morant made finger-gun gestures toward the Warriors bench, while Hield did the same just prior. Both received technical fouls during the game. The NBA, sensitive to Morant’s prior suspensions involving firearms, opted for a warning this time but reminded both teams of decorum expectations.
Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies), Buddy Hield (Golden State Warriors)
Incident occurred late in the Grizzlies-Warriors game on Tuesday night.
The NBA has launched an investigation into Ja Morant’s finger-gun gesture directed at the Warriors’ bench, as well as a gesture by Buddy Hield moments earlier. Both players received technical fouls.
Morant extended his left arm and mimicked firing guns with both hands during a timeout with 20.1 seconds left. Given his past suspensions for real firearm-related incidents on social media, the NBA is taking this act seriously and will speak to involved parties.
