Buddy Hield discusses his contract situation with the Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers guard Buddy Hield has an uncertain future with the blue and gold. Contract extension talks between Hield and the Pacers are at a halt, and because he's entering the final season of his contract, trade noise has started.
For Hield, it's a significant negotiation. He is 30 and turns 31 in December. This could be one of his final chances at a big contract during his playing career, and any new deal would have to reflect that.
At the same time, the Pacers have to consider their long-term future and team building. The business of basketball makes this extension far from trivial. "We've had talks with him about an extension and those talks are at a halt I'd say right now. That's not to say that they're done," general manager Chad Buchanan said last week. "We'd like to have Buddy with us. We have no intention of trying to move Buddy. But it's also our job to listen if opportunities come that help us improve the team. That's what we have to do as a front office."
Head coach Rick Carlisle agreed. "He lives in the gym. It's our hope that we can work out an agreement to have him here long term. But if it doesn't happen right away, that's ok. He's still going to bring what he brings very uniquely to our situation," the head coach said at media day on Monday.
Hield is entering the final year of a four-year contract he signed with the Sacramento Kings in 2019. His base salary is just over $18.5 million this season, though there are many incentives that could push that number higher.
His outside shooting makes him a fit with any team. On younger squads, he provides spacing that gives emerging talent more room to develop. In that way, he has been important for the Pacers. On a contender, his shooting would be valuable. As a marksman from deep, Hield has value everywhere.
He also has value in Indiana, where there have been extension talks. Hield acknowledged Buchanan's messaging on the matter but noted that he would leave negotiations to his agency.
Still, the veteran guard does see a future where he stays in Indiana. "Perfect world? I mean, I'm here. They traded for me so I expect that. I love being around the teammates, I love Rick [Carlisle]," he said when asked if he would remain with the Pacers in his perfect world. He's close with many members of the roster, and his relationship with Carlisle is strong. They visited each other multiple times in Dallas this summer.
"I love being here. I don't see a reason why not," Hield added of the Pacers.
The sweet shooter joined Indiana in February of 2022. He was a key part of the trade that sent Domantas Sabonis to Sacramento and Tyrese Haliburton to the Pacers. Both teams have benefitted from that deal, and Hield's chemistry with Haliburton is significant on and off the court.
This year, the duo could be split up more often. As it stands, Bruce Brown and Bennedict Mathurin are the projected starters on the wing. Hield may open the season with the second unit.
President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard hinted back in April that a role change could be coming for Hield, and appearing off the bench makes sense at this stage of the Pacers build. "It's basketball. You've just got to figure it out. As a basketball player, you've got to know how to adjust," Hield said of a possible role change. He added that he's figured out how to adjust often during his career.
Last season, Hield averaged 16.8 points per game and played in 80 outings. His durability is perhaps his best skill. He also averaged nearly career-best passing and rebounding numbers. The Pacers have been a good spot for Hield at this stage of his career.
Now, though, he and the team need to figure out their future together. There are several factors that make an extension tricky, but if there is a desire to stay together long term, then there could be an agreement.
Despite the role changed and halted extension talks, Hield isn't distracted coming into camp. He is a gym rat and loves basketball. None of the off-court stuff can distract him from playing. "It's basketball, it's fun," he said during media day on Monday. He's ready for the season.
Indiana begins training camp tomorrow, and Hield will be involved. He is the team's best shooter and will play an important part. How much longer he plays that role could be dictated by contract extension talks, and if nothing changes, this will be a storyline that lasts until at least the trade deadline. The veteran guard is eligible for an extension until late June of next season, so negotiations could linger.
- Indiana Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan addresses the future of guard Buddy Hield. CLICK HERE.
- Report: Indiana Pacers expected to have 'some level of interest' in Jrue Holiday after Damian Lillard trade. CLICK HERE.
- Competitive training camp coming for Indiana Pacers players looking for minutes and opportunity. CLICK HERE.
- Bennedict Mathurin to enter training camp as starter for Indiana Pacers. CLICK HERE.
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