Just a few days after learning that franchise staple Klay Thompson would be leaving for the Dallas Mavericks, the Golden State Warriors are already making moves to fill the void left by the veteran sharpshooter.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Warriors have entered negotiations with the Philadelphia 76ers for a sign-and-trade deal to acquire Buddy Hield.
Hield, 31, played just 32 games for the Sixers last season after being traded from the Indiana Pacers in a three-team deal last February. Although he was expected to be a key part of the Sixers’ rotation, his usage significantly declined during the playoffs as the 76ers were eliminated in the first round by the New York Knicks.
Hield wrapped up the 2023–24 season with averages of 12.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, logging 25.7 minutes per contest. He also maintained a respectable shooting percentage from beyond the arc at 38.9%.
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Despite his reduced role in Philadelphia, Hield brings a much-needed outside shooting presence to Golden State, especially after Thompson’s departure.
The Warriors will be without another elite perimeter threat alongside Steph Curry, as Thompson has reportedly moved to Dallas on a sign-and-trade deal worth $50 million over three years.
The 76ers, meanwhile, made a significant acquisition in free agency by signing former Los Angeles Clippers wing Paul George to a four-year, $212 million deal. George’s arrival will likely further diminish Hield’s playing time, creating motivation for both the player and the Sixers to pursue a trade.
For Hield, joining the Warriors represents an opportunity to contribute to a team with championship aspirations. He will now have the chance to play alongside Curry, Draymond Green, and the rest of the Warriors as they look to improve on last season’s 46–36 record and play-in tournament exit.
The potential addition of Hield aims to restore some of the offensive firepower lost with Thompson’s departure, as Golden State seeks to remain competitive in the ever-tough Western Conference. This move signals the Warriors’ commitment to maintaining their status as title contenders while adapting to new roster changes.
