Indiana Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan addresses future of guard Buddy Hield
Buddy Hield's future with the Indiana Pacers has become a dominant storyline in the past week. The sweet-shooting guard reportedly didn't feel desired by a contract extension offer from the Pacers, and now he is about to enter the final season of his contract.
It's only natural that Indiana would look to trade him as a veteran that could hit free agency next summer. On Tuesday, Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan spoke to the media and fielded questions about the Hield situation.
"Buddy's somebody that we love having on our team. We want him on our team this year," Buchanan explained. "The business of basketball comes into play at times. 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. 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."
Buchanan then again clarified that the Pacers plan is to move forward in the short term with Hield on the roster. Of course, unforeseen trade or extension opportunities could pop up, but as of right now, it seems like the elite shooter will be staying in Indiana to open the campaign.
That could all change ahead of the trade deadline. Hield is extension eligible through June 30, and if the blue and gold can agree to terms before then, perhaps he could remain with Indiana long-term. But if no extension comes by the 2024 trade deadline, the Pacers will have to think about moving Hield. They are still thinking long-term when it comes to team building, and that is the big-picture approach.
It could be tough to do. Hield is talented, and he averaged 16.8 points per game while shooting 42.5% from deep last season. But it may be required, depending on how the situation progresses.
"I think Buddy loves being a Pacer. Buddy loves playing basketball wherever he's at. I think he wants to be in a situation where he can be somewhere long term. Which all players do. It's got to be the right situation for both the team and for Buddy, both playing and contract-wise," Buchanan said. Hield's long-term status has been in question since April after comments made by President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard.
"But we're trying to find a common ground on this with Buddy and we want him with us, like I said. I think Buddy's going to come in and be professional and be excited to be part of this team. He loves playing with this group, he loves playing for coach Rick [Carlisle]. He and Tyrese [Haliburton] obviously have a connection together. So I think he's going to come in and play well, and we'll see what happens moving forward with him and the team," the general manager added. Hield is in Indianapolis working out with his teammates ahead of training camp, which begins next week.
Even if Hield is a professional and plays well, the Pacers still have to do what is right for them. That's why a contract extension is such a key part of this. If Indiana can't, or won't, reach Hield's asking price, then a trade will have to be considered.
Hield's role matters, too. He may move to the bench this season as young guard Bennedict Mathurin ascends, and that would change Hield's value and situation.
"In his exit meeting, we talked about [how] his role could be different moving forward," Buchanan said of the guard. They have to find a sweet spot.
Hield will speak to media members next week during media day and training camp for the Pacers. More will be learned about the situation, and how Hield is feeling, at that time. For now, though, it's clear that things will continue as they are until something changes — perhaps with the Pacers, perhaps with another team.
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