Here's Why Boston Celtics Shouldn't Pursue Trade for Buddy Hield

Acquiring Buddy Hield would likely cost the Celtics Malcolm Brogdon. Here's why that's ill-advised.

The Boston Celtics have emerged as a possible destination for Buddy Hield. To make this happen, the Celtics would likely need to deal Malcolm Brogdon and a few draft picks to the Indiana Pacers.

There are reports circulating that Brogdon is upset with the Celtics organization, which puts his name in the trade rumor mill. Also, a hypothetical swap involving Brogdon and Hield would satisfy salary matching rules. 

Last season, Hield averaged 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists over 31 minutes per game. The 30-year-old finished as the NBA’s runner-up in total three-pointers made, with a total of 288.

Though Hield is considered a top three-pointer shooter in the NBA, Boston’s best option is to retain Brogdon. The 6-foot-5 guard averaged 14.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists over 26 minutes per game last season.

With a potential starting lineup of Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, and Robert Williams III, Boston should prioritize building a strong second unit. Although Brogdon had a disappointing performance during the Eastern Conference Finals while nursing an injury, it’s essential to assess his overall performance, which earned him the Sixth Man of the Year award.

The recent departure of Marcus Smart leaves a need for floor generals, which Brogdon would fulfill if he stayed put. Hield, who averaged 2.8 assists, lacks this crucial playmaking ability and may see his performance diminish when relegated to a bench role.

While the status of Brogdon’s elbow injury is uncertain, it’s unlikely it will hinder his long-term consistency. Injuries related to the leg area, as evident by the experiences of Derrick Rose, Isaiah Thomas, and Gordon Hayward, tend to have more serious implications.

Overall, Hield has reached his ceiling and wouldn’t be a major upgrade over Brogdon, if at all. Unless Boston’s management pursues an All-Star caliber guard, such as Damian Lillard, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year should stay unmoved.

Further Reading

Details of Why Malcolm Brogdon's Upset with Celtics Revealed

Jayson Tatum Preparing for Point-Guard Role This Season

Free-Agent Guard Reached out to Brad Stevens, Expressing Interest in Signing with Celtics

Payton Pritchard, Eager to Help Celtics Seize Banner 18, Senses Teammates 'Urgency to Do Something Special'

Celtics Reportedly Show Interest in Signing Free-Agent Forward

Candace Parker on Celtics Trading Marcus Smart, Maximizing Tatum-Brown Tandem, Pat Summitt, and the Sports Matter Initiative

Brad Stevens Discusses Differences in Joe Mazzulla Entering Year 2 as Celtics' Head Coach

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Examining How Celtics' Starting Lineup Might Shapeshift This Season

Dwyane Wade Discusses Jayson Tatum's Next Step, Him and Jaylen Brown's Challenge, Heat Culture, Pat Riley, Damian Lillard, and Life After Basketball

Why Celtics Should Enter 2023-24 Season Optimistic About Most Important Area of Improvement