Buddy Hield has joined the Golden State Warriors via a sign-and-trade deal, leaving the Philadelphia 76ers, with multiple options reportedly on the table before his choice.
According to reports from notable journalists such as Shams Charania, Mark Puleo, Anthony Slater, and Mike Vorkunov, Hield had received offers from the Los Angeles Lakers and the Detroit Pistons. Ultimately, a conversation with Warriors head coach Steve Kerr swayed his decision towards Golden State.
“Hield, currently playing for the Bahamas national team, which is two victories away from securing an Olympic berth, had been contemplating his next move in recent days. It was a late-night call with Kerr on Wednesday that solidified his choice. Hield opted for the Warriors due to the increased chances of contending for a championship, with the Pistons and Lakers also expressing interest.”
Last season, Hield split time between the Indiana Pacers and the 76ers, averaging 12.1 points per game. He could have teamed up with LeBron James and the Lakers, who are likely to be contenders next season. However, Kerr successfully convinced him that the Warriors were poised for a title run next year. Whether this prediction comes to fruition remains to be seen, but Hield certainly helps fill a significant void left by the departure of veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson.
Thompson, who signed a sign-and-trade deal with the Dallas Mavericks this week, concludes a 13-year tenure with the Warriors.
While Hield cannot fully replace what Thompson brought to the Warriors, he does provide another reliable option from beyond the arc. Over the last five seasons, Hield ranks first in the league with 1,322 three-pointers made, just ahead of Stephen Curry’s 1,264.
