Former Sixers Trade Target Wants Out From Pacers

The Indiana Pacers have some work to do in the trade game.

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Buddy Hield has requested a trade.

In past times, Hield was considered a trade target for the Philadelphia 76ers on numerous occasions. As the Sixers had a need for a reliable three-point shooter, Hield fit the bill.

At this point, Hield is on pace to join his fourth team since entering the NBA as the sixth-overall pick in the 2016 draft. After debuting with the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2016-2017 season, Hield lasted 57 games in New Orleans before he was moved in the blockbuster deal that landed the Pelicans DeMarcus Cousins.

The Sacramento Kings became Hield’s home for several seasons. After appearing in 25 games with the Kings to wrap up his rookie effort, Hield played the next five seasons with the Kings. Amid his fifth season in Sacramento, the sharpshooter was moved in another blockbuster trade along with his All-Star teammate, Tyrese Haliburton, to join the Pacers.

Hield finished the 2021-2022 season by appearing in 26 games with the Pacers. Last season, he played his first full season with the Pacers, spending an average of 31 minutes on the court in 80 games. Although Indiana reportedly offered Hield an extension, the veteran guard did not “feel desired,” according to Charania.

Now, here we are.

Who’s Interested?

At this time, the Pacers don’t have a specific team they are negotiating with, but multiple teams “are expected to express interest” as Indiana’s plans go public.

Oftentimes, notable names tend to have a preference about where they land. Right now, it seems Hield is just simply open to a change of scenery.

At age 30, Hield should desire a winning situation. Playing in over 540 games across seven seasons, the NBA veteran has yet to make an appearance in the NBA Playoffs. While a new contract seems to be a priority at this time, Hield would benefit from landing on a contender that could use his skill set.

What About the Sixers?

Buddy Hield is one of a handful of NBA players that has been frequently linked to the Sixers over the years. Clearly, talks have not gone very far in the past.

The Pacers’ veteran still possesses a skillset that the Sixers can never get enough of with his three-point accuracy. Averaging nearly eight shots from deep per night, Hield has knocked down 40 percent of his threes throughout his career.

This season, Hield is on pace to make $18 million. When the 2023-2024 season concludes, he’ll hit the free agency market.

We’ve seen plenty of mock trades centered around Hield and Tobias Harris in the past that didn’t make enough sense from Philly’s standpoint. Unless Hield’s coming at a bargain price that’s just too good to pass up, the Sixers might not talk shop with the Pacers.