A former Philadelphia 76ers guard could act as a key piece of a return package for the Memphis Grizzlies if the Golden State Warriors pursue a trade for star Ja Morant.
Most are expecting Memphis Grizzlies All-Star guard Ja Morant to see a change of scenery before the trade deadline due to his rough relationship with the organization.
The Golden State Warriors recently lost their No. 2 option, Jimmy Butler, for the remainder of the season due to a torn ACL, so no trade possibility is off the table for them. This is because the Warriors are still trying to compete for a championship with Stephen Curry at the helm.
Bleacher Report believes the Warriors "need" to trade for Morant in order to save their season, and a former Philadelphia 76ers guard plays a more crucial part in the deal than what meets the eye.
The proposed trade sees Golden State acquire Morant and Vincent Williams Jr. in exchange for ex-76ers guard Buddy Hield, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and a 2026 first-round pick (lottery protection through 2027; obligation expires if not conveyed).
"Buddy Hield is filler to make the math work. Whether he stays past this season is up to the Grizzlies," B/R's Dan Favale wrote. "He is guaranteed just $3 million next year and has a 2027-28 team option."
The reason Hield is so integral to this blockbuster trade is because of his salary, as Favale mentioned. Hield is earning just over $9 million with the Warriors this season, which, when combined with the $22 million salary of Kuminga and $11 million salary of Moody, matches Morant's annual pay of $39 million closely enough for the trade to go through.
Hield played 32 games with the 76ers, where he averaged 12.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists on 42.6% shooting and 38.9% shooting from three-point range. He landed with the Warriors in a sign-and-trade in July 2024.
Since joining Golden State, he has played at a level similar to that of which he did in Philadelphia. He appeared in all 82 games in the 2024-2025 campaign, recording 11.1 points per game. This season has been a bit rougher for Hield, as he's averaged just 8.1 points on 36.1% shooting from the arc.
For the Grizzlies, Kuminga is the real appeal of this return, not Hield, Moody, or even the draft capital. Although he has fallen out of the Warriors' rotation this season, he is a former top-10 pick who has flashed All-Star potential in years past.
Sending out Morant signals interest in beginning a rebuild, which Memphis could begin doing with the addition of Kuminga.
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