Author: Monojit Mandal
Buddy Hield’s future with the Indiana Pacers appears to be in jeopardy as contract extension discussions have stalled. According to Shams Charania, The Athletic’s trusted expert, NBA veteran Buddy Hield could soon be wearing a different jersey in the upcoming 2023-24 season, with him and the Pacers actively exploring possible trade alternatives.
Charania’s article clarifies the current situation, noting that although Hield is open to a move to another team, no deal is close. In recent weeks, the Pacers tried to extend Hield’s contract, but sources say the proposal failed to make the seven-year point guard feel properly valued.
With the start of NBA training camps, several clubs are expected to express interest in acquiring Hield. As potential suitors emerge, Charania believes that existing conversations will take center stage.
Hield’s predicament is compounded by the fact that he is in the final year of his current contract, which is worth US$19.2 million for the 2023-24 season. After a good performance in Indiana, the 30-year-old will probably get a significant contract.
Hield has made a big impression since his arrival in Indiana as part of the deal that sent Domantas Sabonis to the Sacramento Kings. He averaged 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 2022-23, with shooting percentages of 45.8% from the field and 42.5% from beyond the arc. Hield has become a powerful perimeter threat, leading the league in three-point shots made (1,381) over the last five seasons, surpassing top players such as Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard.
The Pacers’ openness to considering trade proposals for Hield in the final year of his contract is not surprising. When asked about Hield’s contract extension, Pacers head of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard was non-committal beforehand.
Although the Los Angeles Lakers were interested in Hield during the 2022-23 season to strengthen their perimeter shooting, it’s unclear whether they still want him now that they have Gabe Vincent, Cam Reddish and Taurean Prince. However, Hield was originally linked to the Lakers before the 2023 NBA draft in June.
If the Pacers decide to part ways with Hield, they must chart a path that ensures they can surround Tyrese Haliburton with the quality needed to establish the team as a potential NBA title contender.