Priоr tо his first аppeаrаnce in the plаyоffs, Buddy Hield wаs оne оf the NBа’s best three-pоint shооters аfter аppeаring in 632 gаmes during the regulаr seаsоn. He hаs the Philаdelphiа 76ers tо thаnk fоr breаking his questiоnаble recоrd оf plаying in the mоst NBа gаmes withоut ever mаking it tо the plаyоffs аs аn аctive plаyer.

Retrying in California, this time with Stephen Curry on his side, is in his future if he wishes to return to that level.

An individual familiar with the matter informed The Associated Press that the 76ers, who had salary-cap space to spare, proceeded to have one of the league’s busiest offseasons. On Thursday, they arranged a sign-and-trade deal that sent James Harden to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for a 2031 second-round pick that they had acquired from the Dallas Mavericks. The Warriors were reportedly going to sign Hield to a $21 million, two-year deal, according to ESPN.
The Warriors were looking to add a reliable perimeter shooter to their roster after losing Klay Thompson in a trade that sent him to the Mavericks in exchange for Charlotte Hornets and a three-year, $50 million deal. In exchange for their role in facilitating the trade, the 76ers effectively receive a second round pick at no cost.

The source told the AP that the trade for Hield will be finalized once the NBA’s signing restriction is removed on Saturday. Until then, the deal cannot be revealed, per NBA law.

Jared McCain, a first-round draft pick, was also signed by the 76ers on Thursday. The Salt Lake City Summer League and the NBA 2K25 Summer League 2024 will both take place in Las Vegas in July, and the Duke product is set to participate in both. During last month’s draft, McCain was chosen by Philadelphia with the sixteenth overall selection.

General manager Mike Dunleavy has stated that the next offseason is crucial for rebuilding the Golden State Warriors after their playoff exit, and the organization has continued to add players to its roster throughout this time. A source familiar with the matter informed the Associated Press earlier this week that free agency forward Kyle Anderson and the Warriors were in the final stages of contract discussions to finalize a three-year, $27 million agreement.

The 2022 NBA champion Warriors, who were eliminated from postseason contention last season, are attempting to regain their title-hunting form.

After failing to make it past the first round of the playoffs since 2001, the 76ers are determined to break that streak.

All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey and the Sixers reached an agreement in principle for a $204 million, five-year extension, while Paul George and the franchise reached a $212 million, four-year free agency deal on Monday.

George, at 34 years old, left the Los Angeles Clippers and their 2024–2025 player option to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, a club that has struggled mightily despite Joel Embiid’s meteoric rise to NBA superstardom.

Star shooters aren’t always going to be successful in Philadelphia, and the 76ers are aware of it.

In exchange for Marcus Morris Jr., Furkan Korkmaz, and three second-round draft choices, the Indiana Pacers sent the Hawks Hield around the trade deadline last season.

Among the NBA’s best three-point shooters in terms of both volume and makes for a long time, Hield was among the best. During his four-year tenure with the Sacramento Kings, he averaged 260 points a game. In 2022–203, he reached a career-high 288 points while playing for the Indiana Pacers. During the previous season, he supplied 2.8 assists, 3.2 boards, and 12.1 points a game.

In Philadelphia, he was never really comfortable. Hield was benched in Games 4 and 5 by coach Nick Nurse following his three unsuccessful 3-point tries in the first three games of the playoffs against the New York Knicks. In Game 6, Hield made a triumphant comeback to the lineup and scored 20 points on 6-for-9 shooting from beyond the arc.

He would depart from the Sixers after this game.

Hield, who is 31 years old, appeared in 385 games for the Sacramento Kings and 57 games for the New Orleans Pelicans in 2016–17. He made his postseason debut after appearing in 32 games with the Sixers and 158 games with the Pacers. Last year, Hield was able to participate in 84 games after being traded. Game No. 85 in the December In-Season Tournament, in which he appeared for the Pacers, did not go into the final tally. In game 86, the 76ers defeated the Miami Heat in the play-in game, advancing him to the playoffs.