Why San Antonio Spurs Could Pursue Buddy Hield
The San Antonio Spurs received Thaddeus Young from the Chicago Bulls as part of the trade package for DeMar DeRozan, who landed in Chicago as part of a sign-and-trade deal. There have been many rumors involving where Young could go next, as plenty of contenders are looking into acquiring him.
The Sacramento Kings aren’t the first team that pops into mind when thinking of contenders interested in young. But the team just tied the longest playoff drought in NBA history at 15 years, so they are looking for any help they can get.
For the Spurs, the only detriment to acquiring Hield is his contract. He has over $61.5 million remaining on his contract over the next three seasons. The one positive about that is that Hield’s contract deescalates, as it drops about $2 million annually every season.
Other than the money, Hield is an excellent trade target for the Spurs. San Antonio is not a franchise that will tank, so they will build a roster that can compete even if they won’t be challenging for an NBA Championship. Hield would improve the roster and help them compete.
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Under Gregg Popovich, the Spurs have been behind when it comes to the 3-point shooting trend. Their two best players, LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan, were heavy usage players in the mid-range. With both of them now moved on, Popovich can modernize his offense.
San Antonio was 29th in 3-pointers per 100 possessions. Doug McDermott was signed to help in that area this offseason, but Hield is a legitimate difference-maker for 3-point shooting.
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Hield is a 40.6 career shooter, making him one of three players, along with Stephen Curry and Duncan Robinson, that attempt at least seven 3-pointers per game with at least 500 attempts that connect at least 40 percent of those tries. His presence would help open up things for Dejounte Murray and Derrick White to attack the basket willfully, as defenses will have to stick with Hield on the perimeter.
