The Golden State Warriors are one of the most active teams in the trade market, with Buddy Hield one of their pieces potentially on the trade block.
After practice yesterday, Hield spoke to reporters about the upcoming trade deadline and jokingly asked, “Why do you guys want to talk to me? Am I getting traded?”
Is Buddy Hield Expecting a Trade?
Per Danny Emerman, the Golden State beat writer, Hield was asked, “Does this deadline feel different given how much smoke is out there?”
Hield replied, “Whatever happens, happens. I’m just thankful to have a job. If I’m with Golden State or with another team, if I get traded.”
“I’ll just know that another team wants me, perhaps. I’ll go there and do my best ability. Hopefully, I will have a future with that team, too. Or keep helping Golden (State).”
There have been swirling rumors that the Warriors are lining up a huge blockbuster trade to lure Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Bay Area.
Though the Warriors‘ first-round picks have been at the center of discussion around a potential deal, players will have to be involved to get Milwaukee’s attention. Hield is averaging 8.0 points per game in fluctuating minutes under Steve Kerr, making him a prime asset to come up in trade talks.
The Warriors guard has established himself as an elite three-point shooter, averaging over 40% from beyond the arc in four of his 10 seasons to date. This season, he’s produced his career-worst three-point percentage (35.1%) and worst free-throw percentage (81.3%).
During the 2024 offseason, Hield signed a four-year, $37,756,096 contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, including $21,000,000 in guaranteed money. His $9.2 million salary for this season is considered a perfect match for trades. They will need Hield’s mid-sized contract to make the math work for any incoming superstar.
In any scenario surrounding Antetokounmpo joining the Warriors, Hield and Jonathan Kuminga will likely be shipped off to make room for the ‘Greek Freak.’ It wouldn’t be the first time that Hield has been shifted from a team midseason, having moved in February three times already in his career.
He moved from the New Orleans Pelicans to the Sacramento Kings on Feb. 20, 2017; from the Kings to the Indiana Pacers on Feb. 8, 2022; and from the Pacers to the 76ers at the 2024 deadline.
The Warriors acquired Hield from the 76ers in a sign-and-trade deal in July 2024, as they sought to continue his reliable three-point shooting in the league. Will Hield still be a Warriors player at the deadline? Or will the Warriors make a huge splash to acquire Antetokounmpo?
