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3 teams that will trade for Buddy Hield before the Lakers have a chance

By Jason Reed

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 02: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball while being guarded by Buddy Hield #24 of the Indiana Pacers in the third quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 02, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 02: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball while being guarded by Buddy Hield #24 of the Indiana Pacers in the third quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 02, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

2. The San Antonio Spurs can trade for Buddy Hield before the Lakers can

The San Antonio Spurs are in a very interesting situation in the 2023-24 season. San Antonio was one of the worst teams in the league last season but that allowed the team to draft one of the most highly-anticipated first-round prospects of all time, Victor Wembanyama.

It is hard to gauge how good this Spurs team can be in Wemby’s rookie season. Wemby should come into the league and instantly be a defensive force similar to Rudy Gobert. However, it may take some time for his offense to come along, so adding scorers around him is the best thing San Antonio can do.

Trading for Buddy Hield presents an opportunity to add an asset for relatively cheap (since he is on an expiring deal) that can help the floor-spacing and can make Wemby’s life easier in his rookie season.

Even if Hield is not part of the long-term plans, just getting this kind of presence on the court would be great for San Antonio. If the price is right, the Spurs certainly have the cap space to extend him after the season as well to a deal in the three-year, $45-60 million range.

San Antonio can flip Doug McDermott for Hield and the money works. McDermott can also shoot threes at a great clip but Hield is the better all-around player. Indiana would ask for more in the deal and San Antonio has a boatload of draft selections. The team can pick from its collection of protected first-round picks to dish out for Hield.

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