While training camps open up around the NBA in a little less than two weeks, an interesting name popped up in the trade market. After the Pacers and guard Buddy Hield weren’t able to come to an agreement on a new deal, the two sides are exploring a trade, per The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Hield, 30, will make an $18.6 million salary next season before he hits free agency. Considering he wasn’t able to get a new contract, he should be in line to be one of the bigger names in free agency in 2024. Before that, he has to play out next season.
Could the Celtics get involved in talks for Hield? Last season, the guard averaged 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 80 games. Of course, Hield’s best attribute is his shooting as he knocked down 42.5% of his 8.5 3-pointers per game. He’s been one of the best shooters in the league for years — that could be a valuable asset for a team like the Celtics.
$200 INSTANT BONUS
DRAFTKINGS MASS
BET $5, GET $200 BONUS BET
FANDUEL MASS
BET $50, GET $250 BONUS
CAESARS MASS
$1,000 FIRST-BET BONUS
BETMGM MASS
MA only. 21+. Gambling Problem? If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234
MA Gambling Helpline.
Now, it also depends on what the Pacers want in a potential deal as Hield could be viewed as an asset for contenders around the league. For the Celtics, it’s also not guarantee Boston president Brad Stevens makes another deal after he was busy this summer shaking up the roster.
In a potential C’s package, guard Malcolm Brogdon fits in terms of salaries as he’s making $22.5 million the next two seasons. There could be some other salary fillers and picks if the Celtics want to tinker with any deal.
Brogdon is coming off a successful first year with the Celtics as he was named Sixth Man of the Year. However, there have been recent rumblings about Brogdon being unhappy with the team, whether it was because of the trade rumors or his injury. Remember, it was originally supposed to be Brogdon going to the Clippers — not Marcus Smart to the Grizzlies — in the Kristaps Porzingis deal.
At this point, it’s been mostly speculation when it comes to how Brogdon feels about the organization. He wasn’t happy back in June, sure, but it’s not guaranteed he’s still angry going into training camp. But if the relationship is rocky throughout camp or there are injury concerns, the Celtics could elect to move on from the guard.
In terms of Hield’s fit with the Celtics, he should benefit greatly from playing in the Celtics offense. The front office believed guys like Brogdon (44.4% from 3 last season) and Derrick White (38.1%) would benefit from clean looks on 3-pointers, and they both backed that up last season. Hield will likely force teams to pay more attention to him as a shooter, but that just means more space to operate for the other players on the court.
Hield’s spot in the C’s rotation would also depend on what any trade would look like, but he’d be at least another depth piece and capable shooter. But there are question marks about his defense, and that’s an area where the Celtics lost their identity at times last season. So there are other factors to consider if the C’s want to pursue Hield on the trade market.
Regardless, training camp will open for the Celtics soon as they should be right back to contending during the 2023-24 season. In terms of if they should get in the Hield market, that depends on at least a few factors, including potentially Brogdon. But the C’s have made some bets this season on guys like Porzingis, which is natural after trading their emotional leader in Smart. How all the pieces fit will be the question going forward.
- Highly anticipated sportsbooks like BetMGM Massachusetts, along with Caesars Sportsbook Massachusetts have been live since Spring of 2023. New players can use promo codes like the FanDuel Massachusetts promo code and the DraftKings Massachusetts promo.
