“Most people can’t say they put the ball in at a high rate each and every night. So that’s my number one goal: putting the ball in, doing it at a high rate, and doing it efficiently.” This is Buddy Hield’s motto in his career which has helped him achieve milestones. From being the fastest player to make 1,000 three-pointers to putting up a total of 12 three-pointers in just 2 games, it’s a testament to hard work.

Fast forward to today, the hooper has shown an immediate impact on the Golden State Warriors. After signing with them on July 6, 2024, he made his debut on October 23, against Portland Trailblazers, scoring 22 points, and 5 3-pointers that too in just 15 minutes. Oh, quite interesting, right? However, he continues to make his mark. He followed that with a stellar 27-point performance against the Jazz, hitting seven three-pointers.

Despite a slower outing against the LA Clippers, where he scored only eight points, the hooper’s overall contributions have solidified his role as a key sharpshooter. Against the Pelicans, he scored 28 points on October 30 and added 21 points in the follow-up game the following day. Hield’s ability to stretch the floor has been vital for the Warriors’ offense. Now, let’s explore the details of his contract with the Warriors.

How much is Buddy Hield paid?

The Golden State Warriors have acquired prolific shooter Buddy Hield in a sign-and-trade deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. Now what’s a sign-and-trade deal? A sign-and-trade deal occurs when an NBA team re-signs one of its free agents and then immediately trades that player to another team. Now you know what the deal is, so let’s look into Hield’s contact details:

In the third and fourth years, the Warriors can opt-out and pay Hield a buyout of approximately $3 million, with options dates set for the day after the NBA draft. However, do you know that this contract also brings some benefits to the Warriors?

How does Buddy Hield’s contract impact the Warriors?

“Golden State gets one of the better value signings of the offseason. With the cap expected to increase 10% in years 2-4, his future salary is comparable to the room mid-level exception.” This is how Bobby Marks remarks this contract.

Marks noted that this signing is one of the more valuable moves of the offseason for the Warriors. With the salary cap projected to rise by 10% in the next few years, his contract is likely to remain manageable. It aligns closely with the room mid-level exception, providing the Warriors with crucial financial flexibility as they pursue another championship run.

Well, he isn’t wrong though! The Warriors acquired the hooper in a deal that sent a 2031 second-round pick to the Philadelphia 76ers. With Hield’s contract, the Warriors are now projected to be approximately $63.954 million over the salary cap, up from $54.954 million before his signing.

The Warriors have a pretty versatile roster that allows for flexibility in player positioning, depending on Steve Kerr’s game strategy. However, by this contract, the GSW and Stephen Curry lost their legendary shooter, Thompson, who was with them for 13 years. But there is a relief too. Hield’s addition gives Curry another skilled three-point shooter to rely on. Hield’s career three-point shooting rate stands at 40%, with a 38.9% mark from beyond the arc last season, placing him among the top active players in three-pointers made.

Moreover, Hield is getting the opportunity to play with Curry, someone he has deeply admired. “I studied the hell out of him. I watched all his highlights. I watched all his games…The way he moves off the ball and the way everyone gravitates to him is amazing. It’s amazing how he figures it all out. I ask a lot of questions and try to get some advice. He’s a good dude, man…He has a great arc on his ball. That’s what I’ve been working on,” Hield remarked.

In summary, Buddy Hield’s arrival with a strategically structured contract positions the Warriors for future success. His shooting prowess complements the team’s dynamic, ensuring they remain competitive in a challenging Western Conference. The Warriors are poised for a promising season ahead.