Report: Philadelphia 76ers have Indiana Pacers guard Buddy Hield as a trade target

Hield is on an expiring contract

According to multiple reports published in recent days, Indiana Pacers guard Buddy Hield is a trade target for the Philadelphia 76ers. 

Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports was the first to report the possibility. "Philadelphia is exploring conversations with a variety of teams, but one known target for the Sixers is Pacers guard Buddy Hield, league sources told Yahoo Sports," Fischer's report reads. Hield's contract ends at the end of the ongoing campaign.

"Hield's $18.5 million dollar salary would be a match for several of the Sixers' expiring contracts, and his expiring deal wouldn't add future financial burden onto Philadelphia's clean cap sheet for this offseason, as the Sixers have left rival teams with the impression they are still wary of taking back longterm salary at this juncture," Fischer added.

Hield is one of the most interesting trade pieces for Indiana ahead of the trade deadline. Because his deal could expire at the end of the campaign, the Pacers have to consider his future. But he is a useful piece for the blue and gold, and his teammates have stressed how important he is in recent days.

"The one thing that people need to understand with Buddy Hield... is the gravity that he has as a basketball player," Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton said. "His spacing, even when he's not making shots... you have to respect what he does."

Hield is averaging 12.0 points per game this season while adding 3.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists. His role is smaller this campaign, and his three-point percentage is down from recent years. But he still gives Indiana value, and that's why another team like the 76ers could want him.

Marc Stein reported in his newsletter The Stein Line that Philly wants a shooter. "The Sixers, though, are also known to be looking to add shooting," Stein shared. Hield is certainly that. He would also be interesting for the 76ers because his contract ends before 2024-25, and Philly could have a ton of salary cap space to make a splashy move in the offseason.

Salary matching would be an interesting factor in any deal. Marcus Morris is a nearly identical salary match for the Sixers, but he is essentially valueless in trades. A combination of Nicolas Batum, Robert Covington, Furkan Korkmaz, and De'Anthony Melton could be more useful for finances in a deal, but they have positive value and would change the dynamics of any trade. There are constructions that make sense, but draft capital would likely have to be involved.

The Pacers are in pursuit of the playoffs, so their balance of chasing wins and assets in trades will be interesting to watch. They may opt to stand pat with an already-solid roster — they already made a big move when they acquired Pascal Siakam last month.

"It's basketball. It's the business of basketball. I thank god I have a jersey on me. You always feel appreciated because somebody wants you," Hield said of navigating being in trade rumors. He's been dealt midseason twice in his career.

The trade deadline is tomorrow at 3 p.m. Eastern Time.

---

• Indiana Pacers trade deadline rumor tracker. CLICK HERE.
• The Indiana Pacers are still figuring out how to manage Tyrese Haliburton's minutes restriction. CLICK HERE.
• Pascal Siakam discusses long-term future with Indiana Pacers and upcoming free agency. CLICK HERE.
• Indiana Pacers take down Charlotte Hornets for first win with both Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton in the lineup. CLICK HERE.
• Follow AllPacers on Facebook: All Pacers SI
• Follow AllPacers on Twitter: @SIPacers