The Golden State Warriors lost Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks, but they may have found a replacement.
Per NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Warriors are acquiring veteran Philadelphia 76ers shooting guard Buddy Hield in a sign-and-trade arrangement.
Given that Thompson is a goner, this move can be considered a biggie, as Hield remains one of the league's most lethal perimeter shooters.
Hield actually appeared in 84 games this past season, which was a league-high, given that the regular season is only 82 games. But it was the result of a midseason trade that sent him from the Indiana Pacers to the 76ers.
Sign-and-trade has to be three years but small guarantee on third-year gives Golden State real flexibility on the deal for Hield. Warriors add DeAnthony Melton, Kyle Anderson and Hield in wake of Klay Thompson departure. https://t.co/IMJDQdtV07
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 4, 2024
For the season, he averaged 12.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists for the Pacers and Sixers combined, shooting 38.6% on 3-pointers.
Hield has also spent time with the Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans. He appeared in 32 games with the Sixers to close the regular season, but was limited to spot duty in the playoffs, when he averaged just 5.5 points in just less than 13 minutes per night.
"It's unclear if Golden State would be sending out any salary in the proposed sign-and-trade," wrote Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors. "There are ways for the team to pull it off with little to no outgoing money as long as Hield's starting salary isn't too high, but moving off an expiring contract — such as Gary Payton II and/or Kevon Looney — would give the Warriors more flexibility under their first-apron hard cap and could allow for a more lucrative contract for Hield."
