NBA Trade Rumors: Indiana Pacers willing to trade Buddy Hield & a sophomore guard
Indiana Pacers veteran Buddy Hield could be on the move ahead of the NBA's trade deadline. For a Pacers team that has impressed throughout the 2022-23 season, it could be time to acquire some assets.
Coming into the season, the Pacers were expected to be a young team amid a rebuild. Indiana's youthful core has come together quicker than expected. Heading into Wednesday night's games, the Pacers have an overall record of 24-25.
The Pacers now have to make some important decisions ahead of the NBA's Feb. 9 trade deadline. The team was already rumored to be taking calls on veteran big man and pending free agent Myles Turner. According to Sam Amico of Hoops Wire, it appears that the Pacers are open to moving Buddy Hield or second-year wing Chris Duarte:
"The Pacers are overall pleased with their young roster and how’s it developing, but are open to moving shooting guard Buddy Hield or guard Chris Duarte."
The Pacers are open to moving Buddy Hield and Chris Duarte, per @AmicoHoops https://t.co/zcBNJ4iAwz
Indiana Pacers open to moving Buddy Hield or Chris Duarte
The Indiana Pacers have suddenly found some interesting pieces to build with for the future. After acquiring rising star Tyrese Haliburton during last year's trade deadline, the Pacers could look to gain some future trade assets this year.
Hield, a 30-year-old in his seventh season, has the tools to be an intriguing sharpshooter in a rotation. He's averaging 17.6 points and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 42.0% from 3-point range this season.
The Pacers could look to be sellers at this year's deadline. They have some fascinating pieces that are most likely not a part of the organization's long-term plans.
Buddy Hield did it all in last night's win.📼
19 PTS | 5 REB | 4 AST | 4 STL | 3 BLK https://t.co/0DnqVuumaK
Second-year wing Chris Duarte showed some impressive flashes during his rookie season, but he has struggled to find his groove this season. Some of that has been due to the sensational play of 2022 lottery pick Bennedict Mathurin. Duarte could be an option for a team looking for some upside scoring potential. Duarte is averaging just 7.4 ppg in 17.9 minutes this season.