Dallas Mavericks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Milwaukee Bucks reportedly have interest in Pacers guard Buddy Hield
The Indiana Pacers could look to move sharpshooter Buddy Hield after contract extension talks broke down, according to a report. Hield reportedly didn't like Indiana's extension offer, and because his contract expires at the end of this season, it makes sense why Indiana would look at the trade market.
There is no rush for the Pacers, who have a ton of depth and could extend Heild's contract until next June, to act. They can be patient in finding a resolution. But in the absence of a long-term agreement, trading away the 30-year-old guard is a possibility they will have to consider.
Shams Charania initially reported on Hield's availability, and in a TV appearance on Bally Sports 'The Rally', Charania noted what a trade partner could look like for the Pacers.
"I think you look at any contending team," he said. Hield, thanks to his shooting, would fit great on just about any contender, especially one with a high-level playmaker. He has knocked down over 40% of his triples during his career, and Hield canned 42.5% of his outside shots for the Pacers last year. He can make threes in a variety of situations, and the seven-year veteran set Indiana's franchise record for made threes in a season last year.
He struggles on defense, and that holds him back from being much more valuable. That is also why he could see reduced minutes for the blue and gold this season — Bruce Brown's defensive abilities combined with Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembahrd's potential makes playing time harder to come by on the wing.
Those factors could be a reason why Indiana reportedly didn't offer an extension that met Hield's liking. Now, they could look to move him. Charania listed a few teams that could be in the mix during his TV hit.
"Dallas, Philly, Milwaukee. Those are the types of teams that could use a shooter like Buddy Hield," he said. Hield has a house in Dallas, and the Pacers held a shootaround there last season. "I think they've had a level of interest in him over the last several months," Charania added of those three teams.
Truly, any team in need of shooting makes sense as a Hield destination. His expiring contract may be appealing to other general managers, but Indiana may not be interested in taking back long-term money given their possible cap space plans for next summer. Coming up with the perfect deal is tricky.
The Pacers open up training camp in 12 days. More clarity on the Buddy Hield situation will come then.
- Report: Indiana Pacers start talks on a Buddy Hield trade after extension discussion breaks down. CLICK HERE.
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