With trade rumors poring left and right, the Philadelphia 76ers have once again been connected to Buddy Hield. But how could they acquire him?
As training camp approaches, the NBA trade market is heating back up. Many teams are looking to make moves before media day and camp to lessen the possibility of any drama that could disrupt the start of the season. There are widely known trade requests by the likes of the Blazers’ Damian Lillard and the Sixers’ James Harden that have yet to be fulfilled. A new trade rumor has surfaced regarding the Indiana Pacers and shooting guard Buddy Hield.
According to NBA Insider Shams Charania, the Pacers and Hield are working on finding a potential trade after each side couldn’t agree on a contract extension. Charania also expressed, “The Lakers were long rumored for Hield. You look at teams like Dallas, Philly, Milwaukee. Those are the types of teams that could definitely use a shooter like Buddy Hield”.
With the Sixers’ offense running through MVP Joel Embiid, surrounding him with shooting has been a priority. Hield would fit well on many rosters in the association, but especially on the Sixers’ roster. Hield could have a similar role that JJ Reddick had in the past and could really boost an offense that was 16th in three-point attempts last season.
If Philadelphia were interested in Hield, what could it take to get him in a Sixers’ uniform? Take a look at three trades that could land him in Philly:
One sharpshooter for another
Philadelphia 76ers receive:
Buddy Hield
Daniel Theis
Jordan Nwora
Indiana Pacers receive:
Tobias Harris
Second Round Pick
In this deal, the Sixers would have to part ways with Tobias Harris in order to trade for Buddy Hield. Harris was in the rumor mill earlier in the off-season, but recently, word coming from the front office is that they intend to keep Harris. It would make sense to keep Harris, especially if they move on from James Harden, but in order to get something, you have to give something, and the Pacers have had their eye on Harris before.
To make the money work, the Pacers would have to include low-minute center Daniel Theis and wing player Jordan Nwora, although the Sixers may prefer Aaron Nesmith instead.
A two-for-one deal for the Sixers
Philadelphia 76ers receive:
Bojan Bogdanovic
Buddy Hield
Indiana Pacers receive:
Joe Harris
Furkan Korkmaz
Danuel House Jr.
Future Second Round Pick (DET)
Detroit Pistons receive:
Tobias Harris
Daniel Theis
Future Second Round Pick (PHI)
In this trade, the Sixers find another partner to tango with trade talks with the Pacers that may make more sense for all parties. Philadelphia would be getting a pair of knockdown and movement shooters with both Hield and Bogdanovic. Bogdanovic could also offer some secondary ball handling and creation and help lead the bench unit with scoring. With the signing of Kelly Oubre Jr., Danuel House Jr. and Furkan Korkmaz could be expendable.
Pacers would be getting another shooter in Joe Harris to replace what they would be losing with Hield, and he is also on a one-year deal. Detroit would be getting a proven veteran leader and scorer with Harris to help Monty Williams develop their youth in Detroit.
Secret option C
Philadelphia 76ers receive:
Buddy Hield
Indiana Pacers receive:
PJ Tucker
Furkan Korkmaz
Jaden Springer
If Philadelphia did not want to include Tobias Harris in a deal to acquire Buddy Hield, this is the type of deal they would have to make to match salaries and get a deal done. Trading PJ Tucker, who Embiid specifically asked for, wouldn’t make much sense for a squad that desperately needs his veteran leadership on and off the court.
Tucker signed with the Sixers to play with a contender, and playing in Indiana wouldn’t be the same as competing for a Championship. The front office may also think twice about including Springer in a deal that doesn’t bring back a higher-level player. Springer has shown improvement and projects to be a very good defensive player, but right now, it’s all theoretical.
Hield may be a great fit next to Joel Embiid, but they may have to sacrifice too many important pieces to match salary to make it work. Daryl Morey wouldn’t make a move to make it without considering the fallout, so expect the Sixers to sit tight on Buddy Hield talks unless it is a multi-team deal that makes sense.
