NBA Trade Rumors: Could Magic Target Pacers' Buddy Hield After Pascal Siakam Deal?
ORLANDO - The Indiana Pacers have officially labeled themselves as a buyer in the NBA's trade season, acquiring Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors for Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora and three first-round picks.
But this could possibly affect the future of Buddy Hield, the Pacers' sharpshooter set to become a free agent this summer.
For a team like the Orlando Magic looking for shooting, perhaps there could be a deal made for Hield. Last month, the Athletic listed Hield as a potential trade target for the Magic.
"A team like the Pacers wouldn’t typically be interested in moving a player like Hield, but they are in an interesting situation. They have depth to soak up Hield’s minutes on the wing with Bruce Brown, Aaron Nesmith and Bennedict Mathurin," Sam Vecenie of The Athletic writes. "Plus, Hield’s expiring salary is both necessary to include and potentially attractive to a trade partner if the Pacers pursue a defensive upgrade."
Buddy Hield (24) driving to the basket.
Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
With Hield in the final year of his deal, it may not take much for Orlando to acquire him if Indiana looks to trade him. The Magic likely wouldn't have to part with a player from its young core, given Hield, 30, is on an expiring contract.
If Orlando is going to reach its ceiling, improving the offense, specifically its 3-point shooting will be imperative. If the Magic can land a player who can shoot like Hield, it should be a no-brainer for a young team looking to go to the next level.
The Magic is back in action tonight against the Atlanta Hawks. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
