Atlanta Hawks Receive: G/F Buddy Hield
Sacramento Kings Receive: F Danilo Gallinari, ATL 2023 1st Round Pick (Lottery-Protected), NOP 2023 2nd Round Pick (Top-45 Protected, via ATL)
Looking to make it to the playoffs for the first-time since 2006, the Sacramento Kings definitely have their work cut out for them this season. Marvin Bagley III being out has left them with a hole to fill at the power-forward position, one that could be filled by Danilo Gallinari.
Now in his 13th season in the league, Gallinari has averaged 15.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and has shot 37.2% from three-point range over the course of his career, making him a viable offensive threat next to De’Aaron Fox and Harrison Barnes in this team’s offensive attack.
The Kings currently rank 16th in the league in three-point shooting and if they are to be trading Buddy Hield, they are going to need a solutiation to replicate some of his offensive production on the perimeter.
Gallinari has proven to be a key three-point shooting threat over the course of his career and he can also help Richaun Holmes in the paint on both ends of the floor, something they are missing with Bagley out right now.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Kings-Pelicans Trade Features Buddy Hield To New Orleans
Taking on the remaining $41.9M of Gallinari’s contract may not seem that favorable for the Sacramento Kings, but at the same time, Buddy Hield is owed $61.5M over the next three seasons.
They would be saving themselves nearly $20M that could go towards retaining guys like Haliburton and Mitchell down the road by moving Hield for Gallinari in this trade.
As for Atlanta, they need a “spark” to get them going and if they are to be a real championship contender, they need guys outside of Trae Young and John Collins that can step up offensively.
Combining for just under 40% of the Hawks total scoring this season, Young and Collins cannot solely lead this team to the NBA Finals, which is why a guy like Buddy Hield could be very valuable for them.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Kings-Pelicans Trade Features Buddy Hield To New Orleans
For his career, Hield is a 40.5% three-point shooter, fitting the Hawks’ offense perfectly, and he is currently one of the early favorites to be in the running for Sixth-Man of the Year. Having another big-time three-point shooting threat next to guys like Bogdanovic and Huerter could wind up being essential for this team, which is why Hield could be the “win-now” trade target the Atlanta Hawks need.
