The Warriors’ reported acquisition of Buddy Hield was also a humiliating blow to a division rival interested in the sharpshooter’s arrival.
Hield ultimately chose Golden State over the Los Angeles Lakers because he believed the Warriors offered a better chance to win, Shams Charania, Anthony Slater and Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic reported Thursday.
The Warriors acquired Hield from the Philadelphia 76ers in a sign-and-trade, returning one of the draft picks Golden State acquired in the second round of the draft from the Dallas Mavericks in a sign-and-trade in exchange for Klay Thomspon.
With both Golden State and Los Angeles looking to revamp their rosters after both teams’ 2023-24 seasons fell short of expectations, the Warriors have emerged victorious over the Lakers in the Hield auction.
While Golden State is still far from NBA superpower status, Hield’s vote of confidence in the Warriors’ ability to compete in the future is an encouraging vote of confidence as the post-Big Three era begins in the Bay Area.
Now that agreements have been reached to add veteran forward Kyle Anderson and two-way guard De’Anthony Melton, things are looking up for Golden State as the Warriors look to capitalize on the remaining years of Steph Curry’s legendary career.
With the addition of Hield, Golden State now has two of the deadliest 3-point shooters in the NBA, a recipe that has brought the Warriors much of their success over the past decade.
In addition to his reputation as a great shooter, the 31-year-old Hield also brings tremendous durability to the Bay Area, having missed just five games in his eight-year NBA career.
For now, Hield’s decision to pass up the Lakers in favor of the Warriors is at least providing fodder for friendly discussion between the two fan bases as the prestigious franchises battle to regain NBA prominence in a loaded Western Conference.
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