Buddy Hield opted to join the Warriors
Recently, the Golden State Warriors successfully brought in 31-year-old guard Buddy Hield through a sign-and-trade deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. Hield signed a four-year, $21 million guaranteed contract with the Warriors, marking his transfer of talent to the Bay Area. This decision has sparked a lot of concern in the basketball world, especially in the competition between the Lakers and other suitors, why did Hield end up choosing the Warriors?
Hilde
Hield averaged 12.1 points per game last season while shooting 38.6 percent from three-point range. As a consistent three-point shooter, his addition will undoubtedly boost the Warriors' perimeter firepower. According to The Athletic, Hield had an in-depth conversation with Warriors head coach Steve Kerr before making his decision, and the conversation had a key impact on Hield's selection. After a night of deliberation, Hield officially decided to join the Warriors on Thursday.
Curry
Why choose the Warriors over the Lakers or others? According to league sources, Hield believes the Warriors have a better chance of winning. The decision was not based solely on salary considerations, but on an assessment of the team's future prospects. While the Warriors were eliminated in Game 1 of the playoffs with a 46-36 record last season, while the Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets with 47 wins, Hield remains bullish on the Warriors' potential in the competitive Western Conference.
Clay joins the Mavericks
The Warriors have had some ups and downs over the past few years, especially with the departure of Klay Thompson taking a toll on the team's outside shooting capabilities. Hield's arrival will fill that gap and provide the team with consistent three-point shooting support. As an experienced shooter, Hield was not only able to contribute points to the Warriors during the regular season, but also played an important role in key moments.
Cole
Hield's addition is an important reinforcement for the Warriors, and it also demonstrates the team's management's planning and confidence in the future. In the conversation with Kerr, Hield was given a detailed look at the team's tactical system and where it is headed. The conversation gave Hield a sense of the Warriors' sincerity and potential, which ultimately led him to make the decision to join.
Pelinka
On the other hand, the Lakers, despite making several attempts to bring in reinforcements in the offseason, including trying to bring in Paul George and Klay Thompson, ultimately failed to do so. The Lakers have had a poor season this past season, which is one of the big reasons why Hield chose the Warriors. The challenge for the Lakers is not only how to improve the overall strength of the team, but also how to address the team's chemistry and injuries.
Hilde
Hield's decision also provides an important reference for other free agents. When choosing a team to join, players not only need to consider salary and market, but also need to comprehensively evaluate the team's combat effectiveness, tactical system and future development potential. Hield's case shows that in the free agent market, winning chances are just as important as team prospects, and can even be decisive.
DeRozan was the last big fish
As of now, there are still some top players on the free market who have not yet been signed, including DeMar DeRozan, Myles Bridges, Tyus Jones and Malik Beasley, among others. Where they go will further affect the league landscape. For the Warriors, Hield's arrival is undoubtedly a positive sign that shows the team's determination to rebuild and improve its strength.
Hilde
Overall, Buddy Hield's choice to join the Golden State Warriors over the Los Angeles Lakers was largely based on a comprehensive assessment of his chances of winning and the team's prospects. Hield's addition will bring new momentum and hope to the Warriors, as well as a valuable reference for other free agents. It will be interesting to see if Hield can perform well with the Warriors and help the team return to the top in the coming season.