After failing to reach a contract extension with Buddy Hield, the Indiana Pacers are working together with the veteran sharpshooter to find him a new home via trade, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Hield has one year left on his $18.6 million contract. It’s unclear which teams Indiana has engaged in trade talks since Hield became available, but the 30-year-old should have no shortage of suitors who need more shots before a likely playoff run next spring.
New York gets: Buddy Hield
Indiana gets: Evan Fournier, 2024 second-round pick (via DET), 2025 second-round pick (via BKN), 2029 second-round pick (via IND or WAS)
The Knicks need to shoot as badly as possible. They took a good number of 3-pointers last season but didn’t make many. New York shot 35.7 3-pointers per game last season, a healthy number that ranked eighth in the NBA. But the Knicks shot just 35.4% on those tries, 19th best in the league.
If the price is right – and not having to give up a first-round pick would be a great price – then the Knicks should absolutely call the Pacers for a Hield trade.