SUMMARY
- The Warriors have acquired Buddy Hield via a sign-and-trade deal with the 76ers.
- Hield is more or less an exact representation of what Klay Thompson was during his prime.
It was certainly hard to watch the Golden State Warriors spiral out of control last season, ultimately losing their chance to compete in the playoffs. The 2023-24 season was the beginning of the end of the dynasty that was created over a decade. However, the biggest letdown last season was Klay Thompson.
After having a spectacular return season that resulted in a champion and a follow-up season that was even better, Thompson entered a major slump in his most recent campaign. He averaged some of his lowest numbers since junior season putting up an upsetting 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. But it was his unfortunate 0-10 performance during an elimination game that pulled the plug.
Buddy Hield could easily fit in as a replacement for Klay Thompson
Thompson had entered free agency this off-season and the Dallas Mavericks won the sweepstakes offering him a three-year $50 million deal. Despite having a great relationship with the Warriors over the years, Thompson’s association with the franchise turned sour as they weren’t willing to risk another terrible season. And as a replacement, the Warriors recently acquired Buddy Hield.
The Golden State Warriors have agreed to a deal acquiring Buddy Hield via sign-and-trade from the 76ers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. New teammates Hield and Stephen Curry are leaders for most 3-pointers made over the last 5 NBA seasons – and now will be teammates. pic.twitter.com/a12kp9sYuV
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 4, 2024
Hield was acquired via a sign-and-trade scenario involving the Philadelphia 76ers. He will be paid $18 million during his first two seasons, a $3 million partial guarantee in his third year, and a player option for his fourth.
Hield has been one of the most efficient three-point shooters in the league averaging 40% from the deep since joining the league in 2016. He is also one of the only individuals to record 270+ three-pointers in a single season multiple times, just like Thompson and his to-be teammate Steph Curry.
The Warriors need to help Buddy Hield return to form
During his team with the Sacramento Kings, Buddy Hield was more or less a starter who averaged 16.9 points per game along with 4.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists. He’s also made a run for the MIP title averaging 20.7 points per game during the 2018-19 season. However, Hield hasn’t been a consistent starter since leaving the Kings for the Indiana Pacers and 76ers. His numbers have come down drastically as a result.
The Warriors also intended on bringing Thompson off the bench while starting Brandin Podziemski instead. The latter just finished an impressive rookie season but rather than bringing Buddy off the bench, they should include him in the starting lineup to see how much he can impact the team as a second option. Thompson was a second option on the team for a number of years. This might also help Hield emerge as a breakout star. Overall, this acquisition is a solid A- for the Warriors considering they do have a few more issues to resolve.