Word on Sixers: Different Buddy Hield Perspectives
The City of Brotherly Loves adores a popular trade candidate being linked to the Philadelphia 76ers, especially if said trade candidate is Indiana Pacers sharpshooter Buddy Hield.
Dating back to his days on the Sacramento Kings, Hield was considered a possible Sixers trade target as they had a burning need for accurate, high-volume three-point shooters.
For multiple seasons, the Sixers were linked to Hield when he was a member of the Kings, but the rumors faded the moment he was traded to the Indiana Pacers in the blockbuster deal, which landed Indiana Tyrese Haliburton as well.
The Pacers haven’t soured on Hield at this point in his career. Since he appeared in his first full season with the Pacers, Hield has averaged 17 points while knocking down 43 percent of the nine threes he attempted per game last season.
Indiana reportedly offered an extension to Hield, who is approaching the final season of his current contract. Unhappy with the terms, Hield declined, which led both parties to accept that a trade should be in the works ahead of the 2023-2024 season.
Shams Charania of The Athletic tossed a few teams in the mix as possible suitors, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Milwaukee Bucks, and the 76ers.
While mentioning there’s a “level of interest” from the teams mentioned, Charania didn’t indicate that the Pacers are close to striking a deal with anybody at this time.
Predicting the 76ers’ Perspective
On Friday, we touched on the topic briefly, expressing skepticism about Philly’s interest level for Hield at the moment.
“To prioritize a Buddy Hield trade is not something I expect from the 76ers at this time. Philly has a significant unanswered question surrounding James Harden right now. They can’t get an honest look at their roster for the 2023-2024 season until they figure out what Harden’s plans are. Acquiring a high-volume three-point shooter would be a plus for Philadelphia, but the chances of them landing Hield alone is slim, which means other contracts would hit their books, having an effect on next year's roster-building period. Plus, if Hield’s priority is landing a multi-year extension to keep him happy, the Sixers’ potential unwillingness to bank on him before the season’s end could cause additional frustration. Like every trade in the NBA, it would be a risk. Right now, the Sixers have too much going on to gamble on a trade that doesn’t clear up the Harden saga.”
With the Hield rumors being a primary talking point beyond the James Harden drama this offseason, let’s take a look at some other key perspectives.
What’s the Word on the Sixers?
The Obstacles to the Reported Interest in Buddy Hield - Liberty Ballers
“The Sixers might welcome the opportunity to fold Hield into a potential Harden trade, as Hield has been one of the best three-point shooters over the past half-decade. He drilled 42.5 percent of his 8.5 long-range attempts per game last year with the Pacers, and only Stephen Curry has drilled more triples than Hield since he entered the NBA in 2016-17. It’s easy to envision him becoming a souped-up version of what J.J. Redick and Seth Curry once were alongside Embiid.
But if the Sixers can’t incorporate Hield into a trade for Harden and/or Harris, it’ll be difficult for them to piece together enough salary to acquire him. They’d have to include both Tucker and at least one other contract, if not more.”
Sixers Among 4 Teams Connected to Pacers Sniper - Philly Sports Network
“Currently, the Sixers aim to maximize their cap space for next offseason in hopes of landing either a top-tier free agent or multiple second-tier free agents. While Hield’s expiring contract does play into that plan, his desire for an extension does not. Now, the Sixers could look to retain Hield, considering him to be a second(ish)-tier free agent, and sign another quality free agent name, but committing to one of their potential targets so early may limit their optionality. Then, there’s the role aspect to consider.
There does appear to be a starting spot open for Hield, but the defensive prospects of a lineup involving both himself and Sixers’ young star Tyrese Maxey are not overly encouraging. So, while there may very well be an involved role for him in Philadelphia, it may still not be the role he envisions for himself.”
The Case for and Against Checking In - Sixers Wire
“Hield, 30, attempted 8.5 3-pointers per game in the 2022-23 season and knocked them down at a 42.5% clip. He averaged 16.8 points per game and pulled down 5.0 rebounds while also improving as both a playmaker and a defender. That type of shooting prowess would fit perfectly next to Harden (if he decides to stay) and Joel Embiid as the Sixers move forward with their championship hopes.
Hield is looking for something long-term while the Sixers want to maintain flexibility for the 2024 free agency class and possibly look into a guy like Kawhi Leonard. Hield has the one season left on his deal and then that money would come off the books, but the idea of the Sixers giving up assets to Indiana for a one-year rental is a bit risky. Philadelphia also has to handle the Harden situation at the moment so looking into Hield is probably out of the question at the moment.”
Six Destinations That Make Sense - HoopsHype
“Hield would make a lot of sense for the Sixers as part of a multi-team deal that sends Harden to a preferred destination like the Los Angeles Clippers.
If Harden is to be traded to the Clippers, they could be looking to balance their backcourt by sending out a guard like Norman Powell. The Sixers are trying to keep their 2024 cap flexibility so they’ll likely prefer expiring contracts. Powell could be a great addition to the Pacers rotation if they value him and his remaining three years, $57.7 million.”
Buddy Hield Trade Possibilities if Pacers Move Him - Indy Star
“If James Harden won't play in Philadelphia, they will need someone to take pressure off Joel Embiid. Hield could be included in a three-team deal, and the Pacers could end up with Norman Powell, currently with the Los Angeles Clippers.”
