Once scoring 33 points in a single game for the Warriors, he is now set to be traded by the team, ultimately unable to replace Thompson.

As the season nears its halfway point, the Warriors, facing a disappointing record this year, need to implement changes. Consequently, they are actively seeking reinforcements. The front office has begun considering trading first-round picks in upcoming drafts. Players who have been performing poorly might be made available for trade.

For example, Hield’s overall performance this season has significantly declined compared to last year, with noticeable drops in both his average points and playing time. According to reports from insiders, the Warriors have already put Hield on the trading block. This player, who once scored 33 points and made over nine three-pointers in a single game for the Warriors, is now being let go.

When Hield first joined the Warriors, many fans believed he could be a suitable replacement for Thompson, as he showed some impressive performances initially. He even had several games with more than five three-pointers made. However, as the season progressed, many fans realized that Hield could not fully replace Thompson, which is evident in two main aspects: defense and his ability to shoot under pressure.

Even though Thompson is currently dealing with serious injuries in both legs, his defensive contributions still surpass those of Hield. Thompson’s low-post defense remains excellent. Additionally, Hield is not as tall as Thompson, which means his defensive impact is far less significant.

Moreover, Hield gets fewer open shot opportunities compared to Thompson, and his chemistry with Curry is clearly not as strong. Hield also has a particular weakness: when tightly guarded, he struggles to force three-point shots. In contrast, Thompson can still pull up for contested threes with a respectable accuracy. This often results in Hield being unable to get his shot off, while Thompson can still make difficult three-pointers.

If the two players’ salaries were similar, it is obvious that Thompson is a much stronger player than Hield. Thus, many fans believe the Warriors should try to negotiate a trade with the Mavericks to bring Thompson back. The Warriors can still afford Thompson’s current salary level.

Furthermore, Thompson seems to have gradually put aside his pride. Returning to the Warriors, he might be more willing to accept any coaching decisions. For the Warriors, Thompson represents a spiritual symbol and could also motivate Curry and Green from a mental perspective, encouraging them to be more committed in games. I wonder what the fans think about this?