Grade the trade: Pacers land playoff standout in Buddy Hield proposal
By Tyler Watts
Could the Indiana Pacers benefit from dealing Buddy Hield in Jrue Holiday trade?
The Pacers signed Bruce Brown, traded for Obi Toppin, and drafted Jarace Walker this summer. They want to exit their rebuild and return to the playoffs in 2024. It won’t be easy, but they have Tyrese Haliburton. Indiana just needs the right pieces around their star.
Getting involved as the third team allows the Pacers to acquire Caleb Martin and a second-round pick for taking on the negative contract of Duncan Robinson. Here is a look at the proposal.
The Heat flip Kyle Lowry, Caleb Martin, Duncan Robinson, and two first-round picks into Jrue Holiday and Buddy Hield. It gives them an elite defender and an elite shooter. Brian Windhorst already named Miami as a Holiday suitor, and they could quickly put together a package that gets him out of Rip City.
The Blazers get Kyle Lowry’s expiring contract and would likely buy him out. Aaron Nesmith is only 23 years old and a potential rotation piece moving forward. Portland also recieves two first-round picks to help their rebuild. It is a strong haul for a player that just arrived in town.
If both teams are on board, should the Pacers try to swing this deal?