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Golden State Warriors could (but unlikely to) form greatest shooting trio of all-time

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 05: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors is guarded by Buddy Hield #24 of the Indiana Pacers at Chase Center on December 05, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 05: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors is guarded by Buddy Hield #24 of the Indiana Pacers at Chase Center on December 05, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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In Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, the Golden State Warriors possess the greatest shooting duo in NBA history. You could add almost any teammate of the last decade, but probably most notably Kevin Durant, and that automatically forms the best shooting trio.

But if there’s any doubt in that last statement, the Warriors could put it to bed by adding the most prolific 3-point shooter in the NBA over the last five years.

Although highly unlikely, a Buddy Hield move to the Golden State Warriors would form the greatest 3-point shooting trio in NBA history.

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania on Wednesday, the Indiana Pacers will now explore trades for sharpshooter Buddy Hield after failing to agree to a contract extension with the 30-year-old.

Hield is entering the final season of a four-year, $94 million deal and is set to make $19.3 million in 2023-24. He’s played in Indiana since February 2022, having started his career in New Orleans before a six-year stint in Sacramento.

Buddy Hield of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on December 05, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Buddy Hield of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on December 05, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Hield has drilled the most 3-pointers of any NBA player in the last five seasons, with his 1,381 sitting clear above Curry (1,261) and Damian Lillard (1,118). The 2020 3-point contest winner has shot 40.2% from deep on 7.7 attempts per game across his career.

Charania reports that the Pacers are yet to enter talks with any rival teams regarding a Hield trade, but there’s likely to be plenty of suitors for a player who’s averaged at least 15.6 points and 4.4 rebounds in each of the last five seasons.

The Warriors are unlikely to be one of those teams, although they could theoretically enter the race should they wish. Golden State do have Chris Paul’s $30.8 million deal they could utilize, but moving the veteran point-guard for Hield would be a significant downgrade despite his shooting prowess.

Next. The biggest question facing key figures on Golden State Warriors media day. dark

Still, it will be interesting to see where Hield ends up, particularly if it’s at a Western Conference contender like the Los Angeles Lakers or LA Clippers.

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