Brooklyn Nets: 3 stars not named Bradley Beal to target this offseason
By Dalton Sell
Buddy Hield
One year after signing a lucrative contract extension, Buddy Hield and the Sacramento Kings could soon part ways. Hield has reportedly shared a desire to get traded from Sacramento if his role does not change after being benched earlier this season, according to Shams Charina of The Athletic. (Subscription Required) If the guard does get put on the trading block, the Brooklyn Nets should give the Kings a call.
After a breakout year last season, Hield took a step backward this year after he got benched in January for Bogdan Bogdanovic. The move sparked new life in the team, but Hield himself shared displeasure, reportedly considering requesting a trade if he sustains this role.
The Kings reportedly have an interest in re-signing Bogdanovic long-term, meaning that Buddy Hield has potentially already played his last game with the Sacramento Kings. The 27-year-old’s four-year deal that will pay him $106 million does not kick in until next season and would be a pricey add for teams such as the Brooklyn Nets.
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Still, if Hield would demand a trade from the Kings, the Nets should look to make it happen, regardless of his lucrative deal. Placing the reigning 3-point champion and ascending star alongside Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant would create one of the most prolific offenses in the game today. Adding a player of his caliber could undoubtedly elevate them to the top of the Eastern Conference with a healthy roster, potentially even as the immediate championship favorites.
Although he got benched in late January, Hield averaged 19.8 points on 42.9 percent field goal shooting, and an impressive 39.5 percent 3-point shooting on the season. Because of his dynamic scoring abilities, particularly from long range, Hield would be the perfect compliment in Brooklyn as the third star.
Because Hield is so talented and has such a massive upcoming deal, the Nets would have to give up a significant amount to pull off a move like this just to make the salaries match. Regardless, it is a move that could potentially create the league’s most dynamic trio today.