Report: Hield may request trade as frustration builds within Kings
Sacramento Kings guard Buddy Hield isn't happy with the team's recent decision to bring him in off the bench and he may request a trade, league sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania, Sam Amick, and Jason Jones.
The 27-year-old inked a four-year, $86-million contract extension in October, but Hield could request to be moved if he remains displeased with his role.
The Kings are 6-3 since shifting Hield to the bench. However, the 2016 sixth overall pick believes he's an NBA starter and is averaging a team-high 22.2 points during that stretch.
Sacramento has taken a step back after a promising 39-43 season in 2018-19. The Kings are 21-32 in their first campaign under head coach Luke Walton, and they currently sit 12th in the Western Conference, six games back of the final playoff spot.
Injuries to key players De'Aaron Fox and Marvin Bagley have been a factor, but the questionable free-agent signings of Dewayne Dedmon and Trevor Ariza didn't help the team's cause. Both Dedmon and Ariza were dealt before the NBA's trade deadline.
Amid another disappointing season, Kings owner Vivek Ranadive and others within the ownership group are becoming frustrated about the franchise’s front office and coaching, league sources told The Athletic.
Ranadive has reportedly voiced his issues and feelings through text messages in a season-long group chat featuring Walton, vice president of basketball operations and GM Vlade Divac, assistant GM Peja Stojakovic, and COO Matina Kolokotronis.
Their conversations are said to be centered around the team's underachieving season, and each person's role in Sacramento's struggles.
But there's reportedly no indication the tension will result in imminent changes to the front office or coaching staff.
"We share our fans' frustrations with how the season has unfolded and are working hard to improve," the Kings said in a statement to The Athletic. "We remain confident in Vlade's leadership in building the winning team that our fans and city deserve."