Warriors land Buddy Hield trade as roster takes shape after Klay Thompson exit

The Warriors have locked down a potential Klay Thompson replacement.

On Thursday, multiple outlets reported that Golden State would be acquiring 31-year-old shooting guard Buddy Hield in a sign-and-trade deal with the 76ers.

Hield is receiving a guaranteed deal worth two years and $21 million, also including a player option during the fourth year.

The Warriors will yield a 2031 second-round pick to Philadelphia to complete the transaction.

Philadelphia 76ers' Buddy Hield reacts during the first half of Game 6 in an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the New York Knicks, Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Philadelphia. — The Warriors will become Hield’s fifth NBA team. AP

While playing for the Indiana Pacers and 76ers last year, Hield averaged 12.1 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game while making 42 starts.

Notably, Hield played in 84 contests, a number that led all NBA players in 2023-24 due to the midseason trade.

In addition to his durability, the Oklahoma product is renowned for his sharpshooting.

Hield’s 3-point clip has been at least 36.6 percent throughout every season of his career.

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, right, shoots a 3-point basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, April 12, 2024, in San Francisco. — Curry and Hield have been two of the league’s better deep shooters in the last eight seasons. AP

In fact, since entering the NBA in 2016, Hield’s 40.0 percent conversion rate from downtown is tied for 17th among players with 1,000 or more 3s attempted.

In terms of pure volume, Hield’s career 1,924 triples are the second-most in the league in the last eight seasons, trailing only his new teammate, Steph Curry.

Klay Thompson will no longer play in The Bay. AP

Earlier this week, the Warriors turned the page on a storied chapter in franchise history with the departure of Thompson, who helped engineer the team’s dynasty during the late 2010s.

With Thompson heading to the Dallas Mavericks, Golden State has since acquired 30-year-old shooting guard Kyle Anderson — on a three-year, $27 million contract — from the Minnesota Timberwolves, plus 26-year-old guard De’Anthony Melton on a one-year deal worth $12.8 million.

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr shouts to his team during their game against the Sacramento Kings in the first quarter during the Play-In Tournament at Golden 1 Center on April 16, 2024 in Sacramento, California. — Steve Kerr has retooled his roster after losing the 13-year-veteran Thompson. Getty Images

The Warriors appear to have rounded out much of their core for the 2024-25 season, especially the complementary players to Curry and Draymond Green, but the team could still vie for a more marquee move — like trading for the Jazz’s Lauri Markkannen.

New-look Golden State looks to rebound after ending last season at 46-36 and missing the playoffs for the third time in five years.