NBA Trade Rumors: Buddy Hield not happy as sixth man for Sacramento Kings

Buddy Hield Bogdan Bogdanovic
Buddy Hield Bogdan Bogdanovic

After a breakout season last year, Buddy Hield has had a tumultuous run in 2019-20. His name had featured in early NBA trade rumors last summer given that negotiations of an extension with the Sacramento Kings had hit an impasse. He eventually signed a 4-year $86 million deal laden with extra incentives but his performances dipped.

Hield's misfortunes on the court coincided with the ascent of Bogdan Bogdanovic who eventually replaced him as the starter on the Sacramento Kings. Although the move worked out and Buddy Hield gradually found his mojo, murmurs of discontent on his end have not died down.

NBA Trade Rumors: Sacramento Kings to consider moving Buddy Hield?

Kings owner Vivek Ranadive
Kings owner Vivek Ranadive

Buddy Hield was expected to target an All-Star berth after breaking the 20 points per game barrier last season, however, he ended up having a slightly worse year comparatively. As per Sam Amick, the Bahamas native isn't happy with a bench role either and that could lead the Sacramento Kings into testing the trade market for him.

“You’ve got the Buddy Hield situation. He does not see himself as a sixth man. He’s not happy as a sixth man. That problem is not going away, and you gave him starter money. Do you test the market on Buddy? Can you get anything back?”

Choosing between Buddy Hield and Bogdan Bogdanovic

Bogdan Bogdanovic
Bogdan Bogdanovic

The Bogdan Bogdanovic situation is set to influence a lot of key decisions for the Sacramento Kings. The Serbian declined a 4-year $51 million offer last October and is set to test his worth as a restricted free agent. He averaged 15.1 points per game this season – on 37.2% shooting from downtown – which is just four fewer than Buddy Hield.

Bogdanovic too can have a breakout year himself next season if afforded a chance. He's also a direct alternative for Hield. So, the Sacramento Kings could seriously consider moving Hield If matching offers for Bogdanovic turns out to be cheaper than the current deal that the former is on.


Also read: NBA Rumors - 5 Players Golden State Warriors can sign with their trade exception this offseason

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Edited by Raunak Jaiswal