Buddy Hield, the sharpshooting guard, recently made a significant decision in free agency. Despite interest from other teams, including the Detroit Pistons and the Los Angeles Lakers, Hield opted for the Bay Area and signed a four-year deal with the Golden State Warriors.
The Tweet by NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) states,
“Buddy Hield chose the Warriors over the Lakers, per
@ShamsCharania
“Hield chose the Warriors because of the opportunity to win over other interested suitors, including the Detroit Pistons and Los Angeles Lakers. After losing Thompson, the Warriors were in desperate search for a high-volume shooter who could open up the floor a bit more in some of their lineup combinations. That’s Hield’s specialty. Since 2017, the only player to make more 3-pointers than Hield is his new teammate, Steph Curry.” ”
Buddy Hield chose the Warriors over the Lakers, per @ShamsCharania
“Hield chose the Warriors because of the opportunity to win over other interested suitors, including the Detroit Pistons and Los Angeles Lakers. After losing Thompson, the Warriors were in desperate search for a… pic.twitter.com/RK5yVzbRhZ
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 4, 2024
This move signifies the Warriors’ intent to replace some of the offensive firepower lost with Klay Thompson’s departure.
Buddy Hield’s Choice Fueled by Winning Mentality: Warriors Over Lakers
Hield’s choice came after a conversation with Warriors coach Steve Kerr. He weighed his options carefully, ultimately selecting Golden State over the Lakers. But what motivated this decision? According to league sources, Hield saw a unique opportunity to win with the Warriors.
Opportunity to Win
Golden State had a disappointing 46–36 season, exiting early in the play-in tournament. However, Hield believes that the team’s chances in the competitive Western Conference next season are better than those in Los Angeles. The Lakers, too, faced challenges, winning 47 games but falling to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs. Hield’s confidence in the Warriors’ potential for success drove his decision.
Filling Klay Thompson’s Shoes
As the newest addition to Golden State’s backcourt, Hield steps into a crucial role. With Klay Thompson recovering from injury, the Warriors needed a high-volume shooter who could open up the floor. Hield’s specialty lies in three-point shooting, making him an ideal fit alongside Stephen Curry. Since 2017, no player has made more three-pointers than Hield—except for Curry himself.
Lakers’ Missed Opportunities
The Lakers, on the other hand, missed out on several pursuits during this offseason. From Paul George to Thompson, they swung and missed. Hield’s decision adds to their list of near-misses. DeMar DeRozan, Miles Bridges, Tyus Jones, and Malik Beasley remain available, but the Lakers couldn’t secure their services.
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