When an NBA team and a player can’t come to a financial understanding, a trade typically follows. We may be talking about a good player. That’s a moot point. If the team and player can’t agree on what the player should be worth contractually, it’s time to move that player.
With that in mind, it seems like Buddy Hield of the Indiana Pacers is on the move. It’s recently been reported that the veteran shooter and his team are working towards a trade. Hield is in the last year of his contract, and apparently, the two sides can’t agree on an extension.
The Pacers will find plenty of suitors. Hield is one of the best shooters in the NBA. Do you know who needs shooting? Well, basically, every team in the NBA. Here are three that we think should take a particularly hard look at Hield.
Houston Rockets
Yes, every team needs shooting. Perhaps no team in the league needs it as badly as the Houston Rockets. That was true before Kevin Porter Jr. was arrested on charges of domestic assault. Now, the Rockets are especially starved for shooting. Porter Jr. was their most reliable floor spacer.
Hield would be an upgrade. His floor spacing would add a badly needed dynamic to this team. After all, the Rockets have already spent big in free agency – this team wants to win games in 2023-24. The Rockets have lots of playmaking, shot creation and defense, but they need a movement shooter like Hield if they’re going to take a step forward this season.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Buddy Hield, Indiana Pacers & Houston Rockets Updates
How would they acquire Hield? In all likelihood, they’d use Porter Jr.’s contract. The Pacers could flip Hield for him and a first-round pick, cut Porter Jr., and enjoy their new financial flexibility as well as a new asset. With that said, if they aren’t interested in the PR headache that will come with (briefly) acquiring Porter Jr., the Pacers may pass on that arrangement. Is there another team who could offer them a comparable deal?
Orlando Magic
In all likelihood, the Orlando Magic would also use a controversial player on an expiring contract to acquire Hield. With that said, Jonathan Isaac is not a domestic abuser. He’s simply an injury-prone player with some outspoken political views.
At the same time, a healthy Isaac would be a massive addition to this team. When he’s able to take to the floor, he’s one of the best defensive players in the NBA. The Pacers have been linked to several 4s throughout the summer – Isaac could be a low-risk flyer for this organization.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Buddy Hield, Indiana Pacers & Orlando Magic Updates
With that said, the Magic would have to attach a first-round pick to flip Isaac for Hield. It would be worth their time. The Magic could use some shooting in the backcourt. With that said, if Hield is only interested in joining a title contender, Orlando may hesitate to bring him in on an expiring contract. Is there a contending team who could be interested in Hield?
Milwaukee Bucks
This feels like a perfect fit. The Milwaukee Bucks are the only contenders on this list. They’re a bit light on assets, but they should have the contracts and draft capital to make a move for Hield. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the Bucks could offer Hield a starting spot.
After all, he’s an upgrade over either Grayson Allen or Pat Connaughton. Hield’s elite movement shooting would be a perfect fit alongside Giannis Antetokoumnpo. The Bucks should be working overtime to make a deal work here.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Buddy Hield, Indiana Pacers & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
How would the deal work? In all likelihood, the Bucks would send out one of Allen or Connaughton, along with Bobby Portis and either a first-round pick or MarJon Beauchamp. It’s worth the cost. Antetokouimnpo has been putting pressure on this front office to build another title contender all summer. They can work out the contractual details with Hield next summer.
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