Buddy Hield and the Indiana Pacers are exploring the possibility of a trade after contract extension negotiations hit a roadblock, according to sources. While Hield is open to a move to another team, there are currently no active talks with any other organization. The Pacers did offer Hield an extension recently, but it seems that the proposal did not meet the guard’s expectations.
Hield is currently in the final year of his contract for the 2023-24 season, earning $19.2 million. He is set to become one of the top free agents next summer. Over the past five seasons, Hield has been the NBA leader in three-pointers made, with an impressive total of 1,381. Golden State’s Stephen Curry (1,261) and Portland’s Damian Lillard (1,118) rank second and third, respectively, behind Hield in this category.
Given Hield’s skill set and impressive shooting ability, it is expected that multiple teams will express interest in acquiring him via trade. These discussions are likely to continue as NBA training camps open up over the next couple of weeks.
Hield joined the Pacers during the 2021-22 season as part of the Tyrese Haliburton trade from the Sacramento Kings. He quickly established himself as a positive veteran leader and a productive running mate alongside Haliburton, who is considered the franchise’s cornerstone. Last season, Hield averaged 16.8 points and five rebounds while shooting an impressive 42.5 percent from beyond the arc.
Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard spoke highly of Hield, praising not only his on-court contributions but also his off-court presence. Pritchard mentioned Hield’s ability to keep practices light, highlighting his positive impact on team chemistry.
While a trade for Hield is not imminent, it is clear that both parties are open to exploring potential options. The Pacers will likely be looking for a suitable trade package that aligns with their long-term goals, while Hield will be seeking a team that values his contributions and provides him with the desired contract extension.
As the NBA season approaches, the trade market is expected to heat up, with teams actively looking to improve their rosters. Hield’s shooting prowess and experience make him an attractive target for teams in need of perimeter scoring. It will be interesting to see which teams emerge as frontrunners in the pursuit of Hield and how the trade discussions unfold in the coming weeks.
In conclusion, Buddy Hield and the Indiana Pacers are engaged in discussions regarding a potential trade after contract extension negotiations reached an impasse. While no deal is imminent, multiple teams are expected to express interest in acquiring Hield, given his impressive three-point shooting ability. As the NBA training camps open up, trade talks are likely to intensify, and it will be intriguing to see where Hield ultimately lands for the upcoming season.