With Buddy Hield reportedly on his way out of Indiana as the start of the 2023-24 NBA season nears, the Dallas Mavericks have emerged as a team with interest in acquiring the 30-year-old sharpshooter.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein on 97.1 The Freak, the Mavs and Pacers have not made any traction despite Dallas’ interest. The Pacers have also shown minimal interest in trading for Tim Hardaway Jr. in a deal. Hardaway Jr. has consistently floated around in trade rumors over the last few seasons.
In addition, Stein reported that Indiana wants to haul in a first-round pick as a “sweetener” in any Hield deal. Given the enormous threat Hield poses on the perimeter, it would make sense for the Pacers to get as much as they can in return for the shooting guard.
Since he was drafted, Hield has established himself as one of the best long-range snipers in the league. He put together a historical shooting campaign last season, sinking 288 threes on a ridiculous 42.5% clip. He only trailed future Hall of Famer Klay Thompson in total threes made.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Buddy Hield, Indiana Pacers & Dallas Mavericks Updates
In the clutch, Hield nailed 39.4% of his deep attempts. He also knocked down 43.8% of his pull-up threes and 47.6% of his corner threes. The former Oklahoma Sooner ranked second leaguewide in 1-dribble threes with a 49.5% conversion rate.
Simply put, Hield is one of the deadliest shooters the NBA has ever seen. He has the long-range impact to turn a dangerous team like the Mavs into a surefire contender.
Hield put up 16.8 points per game last season, and he played well off of Tyrese Haliburton and his sensational playmaking. Luka Doncic obviously brings a similar brand of elite passing to the table, along with a greater degree of gravity due to his scoring prowess.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Buddy Hield, Indiana Pacers & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Playing alongside Doncic would likely give Hield more open jumpers than he has ever seen. Past Mavericks like Reggie Bullock and Dorian Finney-Smith provided some spacing, but none of Doncic’s catch-and-shoot options have ever possessed Hield’s off-ball greatness.
It remains to be seen where Hield ends up, but the Mavs would provide an ideal landing spot for the shooter. Hield even owns an offseason home in Dallas.
If they ultimately win the Hield sweepstakes, the Mavericks will boost their title hopes in a big way.
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