NBA Rumors: Pacers Seeking Buddy Hield Trade Partners

‣ The Indiana Pacers are looking for a trade partner for Buddy Hield after contract extension talks stalled.
‣ Hield is open to a trade and several teams are expected to express interest in acquiring him.
‣ The Pacers may sign Aaron Nesmith to an extension if they are able to trade Hield.
‣ Hield is one of the best shooters in the NBA, finishing second in 3-pointers made and ninth in 3-point shooting percentage last season.

Lakers: finally have a stable roster

Pacers: Buddy Hield is finally available for trade

Oh the irony

— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead)

Details

The Indiana Pacers are reportedly looking for a trade partner for Buddy Hield after contract extension talks fell through. Hield, who is entering the final year of his four-year, $94 million contract with the Sacramento Kings, is said to be open to a trade elsewhere but no deal is imminent at this time. The Pacers did offer him an extension recently, but it seems their proposal did not make Hield feel desired.

Despite the stalled contract negotiations, the Pacers still have the option to increase Hield’s salary for the upcoming season through a renegotiation. However, it is expected that several teams will express interest in trading for Hield, and discussions could occur leading up to NBA training camp.

Hield has yet to have a breakout season with the Pacers, but he is still widely regarded as one of the best shooters in the NBA. Last season, he made 73 starts in 80 appearances, averaging 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. He also shot an impressive 42.5% from beyond the arc.

If the Pacers do trade Hield, it could pave the way for them to sign Aaron Nesmith to an extension. The team was reportedly pleased with Nesmith’s contributions last season and sees him as a valuable asset in maintaining their wing depth. In 73 games, Nesmith averaged career highs in points, rebounds, and assists.

The Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat are among the teams that could be interested in acquiring Hield. With recent moves by both teams, such as the Heat potentially trading for Damian Lillard and the Lakers signing Gabe Vincent, it is clear they are looking to bolster their roster. Losing Hield could prove to be a blow for the Pacers, but it may open up opportunities for them to invest in other promising players.