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Dave Joerger's Hiring Could Affect Buddy Hield's Chances of Landing With Sixers

The Sixers could have interest in trading for Buddy Hield, but the presence of former Kings coach Dave Joerger could make Philly think twice.

Justin Grasso

As the Philadelphia 76ers enter an offseason with the desire to acquire shooters, Sacramento Kings guard Buddy Hield looks like a logical trade target. And lately, the veteran guard has made it known he's interested in the idea of joining the Sixers based on his social media activity.

But now that former Kings head coach Dave Joerger is joining the Sixers to assist the recently hired Doc Rivers, Hield might change his mind about the idea of getting traded to the 76ers. Hield doesn't have much leverage in his situation. Just last year, he agreed to a four-year extension with the Kings.

Once the 27-year-old shooting guard found himself coming off the bench, though, he wasn't exactly thrilled with his situation. At this point, Hield is reportedly disgruntled and unwilling to communicate with his head coach, Luke Walton. Barring any changes of heart coming from Hield's side, Sacramento will likely seek a trade involving Hield.

Considering the Kings' previous interest in veteran center Al Horford, many believe the Sixers could strike a deal involving Hield. However, the presence of Joerger on the Sixers' bench could be an issue. Back when the new Sixers assistant was the Kings' head coach, he had a public clash with Hield, which caused internal issues.

While Joerger is on record stating he "loves Hield to death," per The Sacramento Bee's Jason Anderson, it's unclear if the feelings are mutual. If Hield and Joerger can't move on from the past -- then the Sixers' front office will likely stay away from any potential deal involving the Kings' guard. Hield's 41-percent shooting from beyond the arc would be a much-needed boost for the Sixers -- but the last thing they need is any potential issues between a player and a coach. 

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated. You can follow him on Twitter: @JGrasso_

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Justin Grasso
JUSTIN GRASSO

Title: Credentialed writer/reporter covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s FanNation Email: JustinGrasso32@Gmail.com Location: Philadelphia, PA Expertise: Reporting, insight, and analysis on the Sixers and the NBA  Justin Grasso is a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s FanNation.  Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writer’s Association.  Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoNBA

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