ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski has reported that the Golden State Warriors are acquiring veteran sharpshooter Buddy Hiled via a sign-and-trade deal which has now evolved into a five-team trade. The Athletic’s Anthony Slater has reported that Kyle Anderson and Hield are the “combined return” for Thompson moving to the Dallas Mavericks.
Hield has signed a four-year contract with Golden State, with the first two years fully guaranteed at $21 million, the final year of the deal only has $3 million partially guaranteed. In contrast, the final year is a player option with non-guaranteed money.
Hield will help plug a significant amount of the perimeter scoring the franchise lost when Klay Thompson opted to join the Dallas in free agency. Hield, 31, is a career 40% shooter from the perimeter and can score off the catch via movement or off the dribble.
Despite being known for his scoring ability, Heild averaged 2.8 assists per game last season and could slot into Steve Kerr’s motion-based offense without forcing the ball to stick. Most importantly, his presence will ensure teams don’t overload Steph Curry in half-court situations.
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
Hield may not be the final addition to the Warriors roster this summer, with the franchise reportedly interested in adding Lauri Markkanen to the rotation via trade. For now, though, Golden State has replenished their perimeter scoring without giving up much trade capital in the process; they will likely see that as a win.