Warriors to Acquire LaKeal and Hield via Sign-and-Trade, Sending Klay in Five-Team Deal

On July 5, according to NBA journalist Keith Smith, the Hornets, Mavericks, 76ers, Timberwolves, and Warriors are finalizing a five-team trade.

Earlier today, Wojnarowski reported that Hield would join the Warriors via sign-and-trade. His contract includes $18 million fully guaranteed for the first two years, $3 million guaranteed for the third year, and a non-guaranteed fourth year with a player option.

The Warriors will send a 2031 second-round pick (originally from Dallas) to Philadelphia.

Per previous reports, Klay agreed to a three-year, $50 million sign-and-trade deal with Dallas, who will send A.J. Green and two second-round picks (the less favorable of Denver’s and Philadelphia’s 2025 second-rounders, plus Dallas’ 2031 second-rounder) in return.

As calculated by Warriors insider Slater, Golden State essentially traded Klay for LaKeal and Hield.

Hield and Curry rank first and second, respectively, in threes made over the last five seasons. Hield has hit 1,322, while Curry has drained 1,264.

Salary expert Bobby Marks presented the updated Warriors salary structure.

He projects Golden State’s starting lineup next season as Curry, Poole, Wiggins, Kuminga, and Draymond.

The bench would consist of Payton, Hield, Melton, Moody, Santos (non-guaranteed), Waterson (non-guaranteed), LaKeal, TJD, Looney, and Post (second-round pick).

The team’s payroll stands at $177 million (including $1 million in unlikely bonuses for Looney), with the 2024-25 luxury tax line set at $170.8 million and the first hard cap at $178.1 million. The Warriors are currently not touching the hard cap.

The expected starting lineup for the Warriors next season: Curry + Poole + Wiggins + Kuminga + Draymond.

Melton, Hield, or LaKeal could potentially start depending on how the chemistry develops under Coach Kerr.

Klay, a franchise legend with four championship rings, saw his performance decline significantly after major injuries. In his last game with the Warriors, he went 0-for-10 with zero points, four rebounds, and one assist. This offseason, the Warriors are projected to acquire LaKeal and Hield via sign-and-trade, parting ways with Klay.

Last season, Klay averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, shooting 38.7% from three.

Hield has career averages of 15.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, with a 40% three-point percentage.

LaKeal, in his two seasons with the Timberwolves, played 148 games, averaging 7.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists on 48.6% shooting from the field and 35.3% from beyond the arc.

After missing the playoffs last season, the Warriors face a competitive Western Conference next season, with teams like the Mavericks, Thunder, Nuggets, and Timberwolves posing threats. Golden State’s move seems to have bolstered their roster on paper. How would you rate this transaction? Share your thoughts in the voting or comments section.