NBA Rumors: Buddy Hield Was Eyed By Heat, Nuggets Before Warriors Free-Agent Contract

Andrew PetersJuly 6, 2024

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The Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat reportedly were interested in Buddy Hield before the veteran sharpshooter joined the Golden State Warriors via a sign-and-trade with the Philadelphia 76ers, per HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.

The Los Angeles Lakers also reportedly eyed Hield.

“The Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat also expressed interest in Hield, HoopsHype has learned,” Scotto wrote. “Finally, The Athletic reported the Los Angeles Lakers also expressed interest in the sharpshooter.

Both the Nuggets and Heat could have benefited greatly from a shooter like Hield.

Denver recently lost three-and-d specialist Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who signed with the Orlando Magic after two seasons with the Nuggets. Caldwell-Pope was a major part of Denver’s 2023 title run, and the team is looking to add some spacing after his departure.

The Nuggets have yet to make any major offseason moves, and the list of available free agents is dwindling by the day.

Likewise, Miami was looking to add some spacing to its lineup with Hield, but instead will have to look for it elsewhere either through a trade or free agency.

Last season, Hield put up 12.1 points per game while shooting 38.6 percent from deep.

He ultimately joined the Warriors on a contract that guarantees two years and $21 million, pairing him alongside one of the best shooters of all time in Steph Curry. After eight seasons in the league, Hield is searching for his first championship, and he felt Golden State was the best place to do it.