For the most part, it’s been a drama-free offseason for the Indiana Pacers. However, toward the end of the summer, Buddy Hield trade rumors began to take shape.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the Pacers would begin a search to find a trade for Hield as the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on a contract extension.
However, Pacers GM Chad Buchanan followed that up by noting the Pacers would like to keep Hield around for a long time, stating that they didn’t plan on trading him immediately.
Indiana Pacers guard Buddy Hield breaks silence on trade rumors
Hield had his first chance to speak out on the trade rumors at Pacers Media Day, and he revealed that he’s not worried about the rumblings right now. (H/t Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star)
“I think Chad put it out there, and I’m going to leave that to Chad and my team and my agent,” Hield said. “They’re gonna handle that. Everything’s been said. I’m not going to answer further questions about that.”
Hield is entering the final year of his contract and will make roughly $19.3 million. If the Pacers were to trade him, there would likely be a market, but that doesn’t seem to be their plan.
While Hield is already 30 years old, he fits in extremely well with what the Pacers are building and how they want to play, especially with Tyrese Haliburton leading the charge, as their chemistry is great.
And despite all the trade rumors, Hield is amped up for the season.
“There’s nothing on my mind,” Hield said. “It’s basketball. It’s fun. I approach it as every training camp, especially like I did last year, coming focused and ready and just get the work in. I’m excited to work with these guys. It’s a fun group of guys. There’s a lot of competition, and it’s fun. We have a great coaching staff and great team that’s ready to put in the work and teammates that love each other. I’m excited, and I can’t wait.”
In 80 appearances for the Pacers last year, Hield averaged 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 45.8% from the floor and 42.5% from behind the three-point line.
So, as the Pacers get set to begin their season, Hield isn’t thinking about a trade. He’s ready to roll.