Indiana Pacers Receive: G/F Duncan Robinson, 2027 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – MIA)

Miami Heat Receive: G/F Buddy Hield

In 2022, shooting is one of the most important skills a player can possess. In the wake of the three-point revolution, every competitive team is targeting shooters.

With that said, defense cannot be underrated. In fact, it’s arguably gained importance in the three-point era. Contending teams also covet versatile defenders who can close out three-point attempts as well as survive on the interior.

Both Buddy Hield and Duncan Robinson provide much more shooting than defense. Still, Hield isn’t particularly poor in points prevention: he’s a little closer to average.

Robinson wishes he could say the same. Unfortunately, he was such a defensive liability in the 2021-22 postseason that the Miami Heat deemed him virtually unplayable.

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That shouldn’t be a problem for the Pacers. They’re not likely to make the postseason for the next year or two. As a rebuilding team, flipping Hield for even a protected first-rounder is a win. Meanwhile, the Heat nab a player that they’ll be comfortable playing during their inevitable 2022-23 playoff run.