Hield’s ‘Excluding Buddy’ T-Shirt Steals the Show After Butler’s Post

Buddy rocking the Excluding Buddy shirt

The Golden State Warriors’ playoff run in 2025 has been electrifying, but it’s the off-court antics of Buddy Hield and Jimmy Butler that are stealing headlines. After a pivotal Game 3 win against the Houston Rockets, Butler took to Instagram with a cheeky post, praising the team but humorously “excluding Buddy.” Hield, never one to back down from a joke, responded in epic fashion by sporting a custom “Excluding Buddy” T-shirt as the team boarded their plane for Houston. This playful exchange has not only showcased their camaraderie but also sparked a viral moment that fans can’t get enough of. If you’re looking to join the fun, check out our exclusive Excluding Buddy Shirt to wear the banter in style.

The Banter Begins: Butler’s Instagram Jab

The saga started after the Warriors’ 104-93 victory in Game 3, where Hield stepped up with 17 points while Butler was sidelined with a pelvic contusion. Butler, ever the provocateur, posted a Batman-themed Instagram video featuring Steph Curry’s logo, captioned, “thanks batman and team. excluding buddy.” The jab was a nod to their ongoing friendly feud, with Butler frequently teasing Hield about his dribbling—most notably after Hield’s turnover-heavy performance against Houston’s Steven Adams. The post, shared by Warriors on NBCS, went viral, with fans loving the lighthearted roast of Hield.

This wasn’t the first time Butler targeted Hield. Since Butler’s trade to Golden State in February 2025, their back-and-forth has been a season-long highlight, from Butler calling Hield’s triple-double “fake” to Hield playfully ignoring Butler’s sideline coaching. The “Excluding Buddy” caption wasn’t just a one-off—it was the latest chapter in a bromance that’s become a fan favorite. For those wanting to celebrate this dynamic duo, our Excluding Buddy Shirt lets you wear the joke proudly.

Hield’s T-Shirt Response Steals the Spotlight

Not to be outdone, Hield clapped back with a sartorial statement that had fans buzzing. As the Warriors headed to Houston for Game 5, Hield strutted onto the team plane wearing a T-shirt boldly emblazoned with “Excluding Buddy,” a design crafted by DannijoPro founders Danielle Snyder and Jodie Snyder Morel. The moment, captured and shared by the Warriors’ official social media, sparked a frenzy, with fans flooding X posts demanding their own version of the shirt. One X user summed it up: “The shirt is iconic, Buddy owns the joke!”

Hield’s willingness to lean into the joke highlights his role as the Warriors’ glue guy, bringing humor and heart to a high-stakes playoff run. His 15-point, plus-17 performance in Game 4, paired with unexpected defensive plays, showed he’s more than just a punchline—he’s a key piece of the team. Fans can channel that same energy with our Excluding Buddy Shirt, a must-have for any Warriors supporter looking to capture the spirit of this unforgettable moment.