Good news has reached the Golden State camp: Buddy Hield is joining the Warriors from Philadelphia in a sign-and-trade deal.
Contract Details
Buddy Hield’s new contract with the Warriors is for two years and $21 million. The first two years will see him earn $18 million, while the remaining $3 million is partially guaranteed in a potential third year. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski also mentioned that there’s a player option for a non-guaranteed fourth year.
Why Buddy Chose Golden State
Despite interest from other teams like Detroit and the Lakers, Buddy chose the Warriors because he believes they offer him the best chance to win. “Hield chose the Warriors because of the opportunity to win,” reported The Athletic.
The most made threes in the last 5 seasons 🔥
1,322 — Buddy Hield
1,264 — Steph CurryThe Golden State Warriors have a new Splash duo 💦
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints)
Replacing Klay Thompson
The Warriors are rebuilding after losing veterans Chris Paul and Klay Thompson. Hield seems to be stepping into Klay’s shoes, who recently signed with Dallas as a free agent.
Fans think this change might bring fresh energy to the team.
Stephen Curry now has another top three-point shooter beside him, as Hield ranks among leaders in three-pointers made over five seasons.
Draymond Green’s Thoughts
Draymond Green shared his mixed feelings about Klay leaving on his podcast: “I don’t really know how I feel about it… When Klay told me, I was just able to listen… It was just like ‘Wow, congrats bro. I’m happy for you.’”
Hield’s International Play
Currently representing the Bahamas for an Olympic spot, Hield averaged 12.2 points per game and shot 38.9% from three-point range last season with Philadelphia. He previously played for Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, and New Orleans Pelicans.
He expressed his love for playing basketball internationally: “I love basketball… Getting to the Olympics is special.”
Klay Thompson’s Departure
Klay signed a three-year contract worth $50 million with Dallas after feeling “disrespected” by Golden State’s intentions. Reports suggest he had known about this decision for weeks and was ready for new challenges outside California.
“There was little communication between Thompson, the Warriors and Thompson’s agent,” sources said. The plan was to make an offer later but it never happened; many believe Klay had already decided weeks ago.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=IEIW8YR0Ry8%3Ffeature%3Doembed
Despite their happiness for Klay’s new journey, there’s still sadness at Golden State. Draymond reassured fans that off-court relationships remain strong: “Changes nothing for us… changes basketball court obviously… but relationships are forever… I might have dropped a tear or two.”
