NBA Contenders, Other Than Lakers, Express Interest in Pacers’ Buddy Hield

(Photo : Elsa/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 11: Buddy Hield #24 of the Indiana Pacers celebrates his three point shot in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

Buddy Hield is expected to look for a new home soon after failing to strike a deal with the Indiana Pacers. Several NBA teams are expected to take interest although three contenders could make sense for the 30-year-old Bahamian.

The three teams that could take interest in the sixth overall pick of the 2016 NBA Draft are the Dallas Mavericks, Philadelphia 76ers, and the Milwaukee Bucks according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

"The Lakers were long rumored for Buddy Hield... You look at teams like Dallas, Philly, Milwaukee. Those are the types of teams that could definitely use a shooter like Buddy Hield."

NBA Insider @ShamsCharania on potential landing spots for Hield.@BrookeFletcher | #TheRally pic.twitter.com/B1h5XxpG1j
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“Dallas, Philly, Milwaukee, those are the types of teams that could definitely use a shooter like Buddy Hield,” said Charania. “They’ve [all] had a level of interest in him over the last several months.”

Mavericks in pursuit

The Mavericks could make sense only that Dallas would have to match the $18.6 million salary of Hield. This means the Mavs may have to include some players, particularly Richaun Holmes or Tim Hardaway Jr. in any deal, SI.com reported.

The 76ers also make sense, especially with the James Harden drama ongoing. Although they already added Kelly Oubre Jr. to the mix, adding another veteran shooter would make sense, 973ESPN suggested.

Hield could satisfy Antetokounmpo demands

As for the Bucks, Hield could provide a boost and show an unhappy Giannis Antetokounmpo that the team is moving to acquire talented players. The 30-year-old could give the Bucks added shooting, something that would make life easier for the “Greek Freak” to operate inside the paint.

Aside from the Bucks, Mavericks and Sixers, expect more teams to look into the possibility of acquiring Buddy Hield.

That includes the Los Angeles Lakers, a team that has been pursuing Hield for the past years. But with their current roster seemingly set, tweaking it again may not be a good idea especially with the 2023-24 NBA season fast approaching.