Trade No. 2 – Sacramento Kings (Three Team Trade)

Sacramento Kings Receive: F Kyle Kuzma, G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, LAL 2022 1st Round Pick, POR 2021 2nd Round Pick (via MEM)

Memphis Grizzlies Receive: F Wesley Matthews, F Alfonzo McKinnie, LAL 2025 1st Round Pick

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Buddy Hield

In order for a trade to bring Buddy Hield to Los Angeles work, it would have to be a three team deal since the Kings could not bring in four different player’s contracts to their roster. As a result, the Grizzlies could be a team that looks to join this deal given that they are a dark-horse playoff team and could use a veteran guy like Wesley Matthews. 

The drama between Buddy Hield and the Sacramento Kings started last season when Hield and head coach Luke Walton did not see eye-to-eye, leading to Hield being benched numerous times. It is no secret that there seems to be a rift between Kings management and Buddy Hield, and as much as they try to downplay it, Hield is a player who will most definitely be on a new team within the next year. 

The 27-year old shooting guard has consistently been getting better and had a great season last year, where he played in 72 games, averaging 19.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 39.4% from three-point range. Buddy Hield’s perimeter shooting is what makes him a valuable asset for any team and makes him a player that will draw a lot of value on the trade market.

As stated before, the Lakers do not have much set-up for future success right now, as they are building their team year-by-year to contend for championships. This will likely be the case every single year until LeBron James decides to retire, but the Lakers need to have the idea of acquiring younger talent like Buddy Hield in the back of their minds. 

Buddy Hield will be turning 28-years old this season and has gotten better each year he has been in the NBA. Next to two of the best players in the NBA in LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Hield will not only be able to get the open shots he wants since those guys will be drawing all of the attention, but he can learn a lot from them.

It would perfect sense for Los Angeles to bring in an offensive player like Buddy Hield and give him a fresh start. Hield can not only contribute to the Lakers winning formula now, but can be a valuable asset moving forward for the Lakers.