Report: Pacers, Hield working on trade after extension talks stall
The Indiana Pacers and sharpshooter Buddy Hield started discussions to find a potential trade after contract extension talks stalled, sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania.
Indiana reportedly offered Hield an extension in recent weeks, but the deal didn't make him feel desired.
There's no impending trade for the 30-year-old guard, but Hield is open to a move, according to rival team sources. Multiple teams are expected to be interested in acquiring the veteran.
Hield is in the final year of his contract and is set to make $19.2 million this season. The Bahamian leads the league in 3-pointers made over the last five seasons, knocking down 1,381 threes.
The Pacers acquired Hield alongside franchise cornerstone Tyrese Haliburton in a 2022 trade with the Sacramento Kings. Hield has averaged 17.1 points, five rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.1 steals in 106 games with Indiana. He's also averaged 3.5 threes per game during that stretch, making 41% of his attempts from deep.
Indiana has a few guard prospects aiming for more playing time, including Bennedict Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard, and rookie Ben Sheppard.
The Pacers open their season at home against the Washington Wizards on Oct. 25.