The Los Angeles Lakers suffered another disappointing setback in free agency as Buddy Hield decided to join the Golden State Warriors instead of the purple and gold.
The Lakers had shown interest in signing several guards during free agency, including Klay Thompson, who also opted to sign with the Mavericks instead of the Lakers.
So, what led Hield to make the same decision?
“Hield chose the Warriors because of the opportunity to win, according to league sources. His suitors included the Detroit Pistons and Los Angeles Lakers,” The Athletic reports.
“After losing Thompson, the Warriors were in desperate need of a high-volume shooter who could help open up the floor in some lineup combinations. That’s where Hield excels. Since 2017, only his new teammate, Steph Curry, has made more 3-pointers than Hield.”
Some are now calling this new partnership the Splash Buddies, a play on the famous Splash Brothers.
The Warriors struck a deal with the 76ers for Hield, guaranteeing him a two-year, $21 million contract.
“Hield will earn $18 million in the first two years and have a $3 million partial guarantee for the 2026-27 season, along with a player option for a non-guaranteed fourth year,” ESPN reports.
Golden State is also sending a 2031 second-round draft pick to Philadelphia, which they acquired from Dallas in the Thompson sign-and-trade deal.
Before focusing on his new journey with the Warriors, Hield is set to potentially make his Olympic debut playing for the Bahamas national basketball team.
However, the Bahamas team faces a tough challenge as they will likely have to defeat Spain in Spain in an Olympic qualifier to make history.
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