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Reports suggest Buddy Hield is unhappy with the situation with the Sacramento Kings and might be requesting a trade in the 2021 NBA offseason. Although no clear statement has been made, the Kings' guard might be leaving Sacramento ahead of the 2021-22 season.
The Sacramento Kings have some exceptional young talent on their roster but have no chance of competing in the playoffs, especially against teams that are considered heavyweights. De'Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton and Harrison Barnes all had decent runs this season, but they are not the right supporting cast Buddy Hield needs to make a playoff appearance.
Buddy Hield was signed by the Sacramento Kings in 2016 to help the struggling team contend for championships. While he has helped improve their overall play, the Kings have missed postseason action for 15 consecutive seasons.
The closest they have come to making the NBA playoffs was their ninth-placed finish in the 2018-2019 season. If the play-in tournament was available then, Buddy Hield and his counterparts would have had a shot at postseason action.
Although Buddy Hield signed a four-year $94 million deal in 2020, his time with the Sacramento Kings might be coming to an end. On that note, here are five teams that can pursue Buddy Hield ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season.
#1 LA Lakers
The LA Lakers lost Danny Green in the 2020 off-season and have not been able to successfully replace the shooting guard. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was average at best, especially in the 2021 NBA playoffs, which was a crucial reason for their first-round elimination.
Wesley Matthews and Ben Macklemore were brought in to help bolster the Lakers' shooting from 3-point range but were more successful with their defensive skills. While Buddy Hield is not one of the top five three-point shooters in the league, he can benefit from LeBron James' court vision and worry less about creating his shots.
Fans are clamoring for a Buddy Hield-Kyle Kuzma trade during the offseason. Although there is a significant difference in salary, the Lakers can make it work with possibly another player or future pick in the trade package.
#2 New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans have a solid frontcourt in Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram but seriously need a boost in the backcourt. Lonzo Ball had a decent run in the 2020-21 season despite missing a few games due to injury. However, he will be a restricted free agent, and his return is not set in stone.
If the Pelicans can pull off a Buddy Hield trade, the franchise will have a real chance at making the playoffs for the first time since 2018. However, the Pelicans will have to put together a valuable package.
#3 Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks could benefit hugely from adding Buddy Hield to their roster. They were eliminated from the 2021 NBA playoffs first round by the LA Clippers because there was so much dependence on Luka Doncic to produce on offense. While the youngster is perfectly capable of consistently taking the game to the opposition, he needs a supporting cast that can also make significant contributions.
Tim Hardaway Jr. was sensational in the regular season and put in a decent shift during the playoffs. With him on the court, Buddy Hield could be slotted in at the three-wing slot. His presence on the court will stretch teams out and give Luka enough room to drive to the paint.
With Hardaway's production, the Mavericks might look to re-sign him in free agency. But if that doesn't pull through, Buddy Hield will be a prime option for the franchise.
Buddy Hield's introduction will be a boost for the Dallas Mavericks, who finished the 2020-21 regular season ranked 18th in three-point shooting. With the Mavericks' quality, playoff qualification will not be a problem for Hield.
#4 Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are in dire need of a three-point shooter to have a chance at a better 2021-22 campaign. Although it might not be the ideal destination for Buddy Hield as regards championship contention, it is a deal that can be finalized.
Buddy Hield will be the perfect wing to partner with the backcourt duo, Darius Garland and Collin Sexton. The Cleveland Cavaliers shot horribly from beyond the arc and finished the season as the worst team from three-point range.
Getting Buddy Hield will be tricky because one of their tradeable assets has a salary cap that most teams will not want to burden themselves with. Kevin Love is owed $30+ million for the 2021-22 NBA season, which is a serious commitment, but the Sacramento Kings can make it work.
Landing Buddy Hield will be a win for the Cleveland Cavaliers. They currently do not have any outside threats, which is why Hield would be a great fit.
#5 Toronto Raptors
With transfer rumors surrounding Kyle Lowry, the Toronto Raptors will need a suitable replacement in the backcourt. While Fred VanVleet is the obvious replacement for the point guard role, Buddy Hield could be slotted in at the two spot.
The Toronto Raptors have missed the playoffs once (2021) in the last eight years. That which is an indication that a boost in the quality of their roster will put them back in championship contention position. With Buddy Hield and VanVleet as guards, it will be a double threat to the opposition from the perimeter.
Salary wise, Kyle Lowry's departure will create a lot of room to accommodate Buddy Hield's $20+ million. However, the Raptors will need to put together a trade package that is enticing enough for the Sacramento Kings.
Guess the Bulls players in this quiz and it's not going to be easy!
