It was recently reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic that the Indiana Pacers are starting the process of finding a trade for Buddy Hield. The decision follows contract extension negotiations, which ultimately broke down.
Now, the Pacers will enter the season seeking a trade for the three-point sharpshooter, who is one of the best marksmen in the league and entering the final year of his contract on a roughly $19.3 million salary.
With Tyrese Haliburton at the helm, the Pacers are capable of being competitive right now, but with him being just 23 years old, they need to worry about the future, too. And Haliburton is their future.
Keeping that in mind, here are five Hield trades the Pacers must consider to build around Haliburton and give him the best possible chance to win a title in Indiana.
5 Buddy Hield trades to help the Pacers build around Tyrese Haliburton: OG Anunoby
This trade concept has been discussed ad nauseam, as it was revealed earlier this summer that the Indiana Pacers showed an interest in a potential OG Anunoby trade with the Toronto Raptors.
Adding Anunoby to the squad would give the Pacers an amazing infrastructure moving forward, as the 25-year-old forward would greatly raise their defensive ceiling.
Fresh off a selection to the NBA’s All-Defensive Second Team, the pairing of Anuoby and Myles Turner would wreak havoc on opponents, giving the Pacers an edge on that end. Plus, Anuoby still has room to grow as an offensive talent, especially with Haliburton by his side.
For the Raptors, this trade would be a way of beginning a much-needed rebuild, as they would get multiple first-rounders back, as well as an expiring contract.
Potential starting lineup: Tyrese Haliburton, Bruce Brown, OG Anunoby, Jarace Walker, Myles Turner