According to a report from HoopsHype, not only do the Indiana Pacers want to keep guard Buddy Hield, but they have a high asking price for him in any potential trade.
"Similar to when Myles Turner was entering a contract season and was coveted by other teams, the Indiana Pacers want to keep guard Buddy Hield and have a high asking price for teams interested in acquiring him," the report reads.
The first part of that note, which concerns the Pacers wanting to keep Hield, jives with the team's messaging from the offseason. Back in September, general manager Chad Buchanan said that the franchise wanted to keep the sweet-shooting guard around. "Buddy's somebody that we love having on our team. We want him on our team this year," he said. The GM added that the two sides had talked about a contract extension.
The fact that an extension was discussed at all proves that Indiana was interested in keeping Hield around. However, according to earlier reports, the Pacers looked for trade partners involving the guard after those extension talks were unsuccessful. That is the natural order of events in that process. But in the absence of a trade, it makes sense at this point that the blue and gold want to keep Hield on the roster.
The 31-year old, who is still currently extension eligible, is averaging 13.4 points per game this season and is shooting 38.5% from long range. He is an offensive weapon for the Pacers despite having an inconsistent season so far.
"I love being here," Hield said of Indiana just before the season started.
The second part of HoopsHype's report, which concerns Hield's possible value from the Pacers in a deal, is new information. Of course, every team is going to have a high asking price for their own players. Marc Stein reported in the offseason that the Pacers may not be able to get a first-round selection for the veteran guard.
But Indiana would be right to ask for more. Hield is one of the best outside shooters in the league, and his expiring contract is valuable in certain situations. Should he be traded, he will certainly have positive value.
HoopsHype had more on what that trade return could look like. "Five NBA executives who spoke with HoopsHype said it would take a first-round pick and a rotation player for Hield. If the player is someone Indiana likes, the pick doesn't have to be as strong and vice versa," the report reads.
Hield's value to the Pacers and their playoff pursuit may be enough that they are willing to maintain their high price even if it means not trading him at all. His on-court production does matter a great deal for them despite his long-term future being a question mark.
Finding a first-round pick and a rotation player for Hield may be tricky. That's a lot of value for another team to surrender for a high-end rotation player who could be a rental. But outside shooting is one of the most important skills in the NBA, so it's possible that a deal could be constructed.
Hield is happy in his current situation. But until something is settled regarding his contract status, his name will be buzzing leading up to the trade deadline for the 14-14 Pacers.
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