76ers, Pacers Reportedly Lacking Traction on Deal for Sharpshooter

UPDATE: Sixers have traded with the Pacers to acquire Buddy Hield. READ MORE HERE

Buddy Hield’s future with the Indiana Pacers has been in question since the dog days of the summer that just passed. As it became clear that an extension for the soon-to-be free-agent sharpshooter was unlikely to happen in Indiana before the start of the 2023-2024 NBA season, Hield hit the trade block.

A thriving Pacers team became less likely to sell off valuable veterans, whether they are on an expiring contract or not. Sitting at 29-23 on the year, just behind the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference standings, the Pacers anticipate becoming playoff contenders for the first time in a while.

Similar to the Sixers, the Pacers are looking to make win-now moves. When it comes to a 40 percent career three-point shooter like Buddy Hield, the Pacers are only going to be willing to part ways with him if they manage to get a team to overbid.

Perhaps that’s why there seems to be little traction on trade talks between the Sixers and the Pacers surrounding Hield as the trade deadline is closing in.

Earlier this week, Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer noted that Hield is a name to keep an eye on for the 76ers, as they reportedly showed interest in the Indiana sharpshooter.

On Wednesday, two reports added caution to the thought of the Sixers finally landing Hield after getting linked to him several times over the years, even before he was traded to the Pacers.

According to The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey, “There does not appear to be much traction [on Wednesday].”

PHLY’s Kyle Neubeck added that there is a “gap in valuation” between the two teams regarding Hield. Unless the Pacers are willing to offer up some sort of discount to make a more desirable offer based on how much the Sixers value Hield, then it will likely be another season where the Sixers move forward without adding the 31-year-old veteran.

Based on Indiana’s timeline, it doesn’t make sense for them to lower the price for Hield for multiple reasons, with the main factors being Hield helps them now, whether they see a future with him or not — and why should they be willing to help the Sixers out in any way? Being direct competitors in the Eastern Conference, Indiana won’t be doing Philadelphia any favors.