While there's no replacing Klay Thompson, the Golden State Warriors did their best in that regard, agreeing to a sign-and-trade with shooter Buddy Hield shortly after the 2024 NBA free agency period began. The basics of the deal were reported quickly, but thanks to Spotrac and the good folks who run the Warriors subreddit Twitter account, the full details of the deal have emerged.
Buddy Hield's contract details ( Spot Track):
2024/25: $8,780,488
2025/26: $9,219,512
2026/27: $9,658,537 ($3 million guaranteed)
2027/28: $10,097,561 (non-guaranteed + player option)
2028 (UFA): Full Bird RightsThe 26th/27th and 27th/28th events will be held the days after the NBA Draft.
— GSWCBA (@gswcba) July 8, 2024
Hield's first two years of compensation will total just $18 million, with just over half of that being paid in the second year of his contract. A potential third year on the contract is only partially guaranteed. If the Warriors exercise his option, Hield's compensation would be just over $9.6 million, although the Warriors could opt out of the third year and pay Hield a $3 million buyout.
Similarly, if Hield remains with the Warriors for three years, a similar situation would arise in his fourth year, per Spotrac. The Warriors could opt out of Hield's fourth year, which is roughly $10.1 million, for about $3.1 million. For both years three and four, the Warriors' option date is the day after the draft (though the date can be pushed back if both parties agree, as was the case with Chris Paul).
Hield also has a player option on his fourth and final year that expires June 29, 2027, meaning either side could opt out in some way, essentially meaning both he and the Warriors would have to want him back for the 2027-28 season at that price.
If Hield remains with the Warriors for all four seasons, he will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2028, but the Warriors will retain his Bird Rights and thus could go over the salary cap to retain him.
