Buddy Hield trade possibilities if Pacers decide to move him
If the Indiana Pacers look to trade shooting guard Buddy Hield this season, who would be a logical partner?
League sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania that contract extension talks between the team and player have stalled, and that Hield is open to a trade.
No moves appear to be imminent.
The 30-year-old eighth-year pro made 288 3-pointers on 42.5% accuracy last season, averaging 16.8 points per game. He is scheduled to make $19.28 million in 2023-24, the final year of his contract, according to Spotrac.
Hield's usage could be affected by the development of second-year player Bennedict Mathurin, who moved into the starting lineup late last season.
Hield just received the No. 7 for the coming season, upsetting former Pacers big man Jermaine O'Neal.
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Los Angeles Lakers
There was extensive chatter last season about Hield heading to the Lakers. The logic remains, according to Bleacher Report's Tyler Conway: "There may not be a single role player better suited to play with late-career (LeBron) James than Hield." The Pacers could receive D'Angelo Russell and future second-round picks.
Boston Celtics
Malcolm Brogdon, traded by the Pacers to the Celtics in 2022, reportedly is frustrated in Boston. Would a Hield-for-Brogdon deal work?
Houston Rockets
They need huge help from long range. Houston had the worst 3-point shooting last season and were 22nd in attempted 3s.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks could bolster their strong 3-point shooting even more. The salaries of Tim Hardaway Jr. or Richaun Holmes could match Hield's, according to HoopsHype. Hardaway could be reunited with coach Rick Carlisle, under whom he thrived.
Philadelphia 76ers
If James Harden won't play in Philadelphia, they will need someone to take pressure off Joel Embiid. Hield could be included in a three-team deal, and the Pacers could end up with Norman Powell, currently with the Los Angeles Clippers.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Buddy Hield trade possibilities if Pacers decide to move him
