The Indiana Pacers are ready to win right now, as evidenced by the huge trade that acquired Pascal Siakam a few weeks ago. So, what's next for Indiana as the trade deadline approaches?
The most likely scenario is that Indiana holds on and the chemistry develops as Siakam and others integrate. But the Pacers would be wise to use Buddy Hield's expiring $19.3 million contract to look for a potential upgrade for the postseason.
Hield is known as a serial shooter, but evidence shows that when he's shooting 3-pointers, he's a valuable offensive player for spacing purposes. But as of late, Indiana appears to be prioritizing the development of first-round pick Ben Shepard heading into the deadline.
Ironically, when Shepard was drafted in June, he was considered internally a candidate to replace Hield after this season. Since Siakam's arrival, it's been hard to ignore Shepard's more versatile skill set compared to Hield's one-way game.
Here's a direct comparison between Hield and Shepard since Siakam was added to the rotation against the Trail Blazers on Jan. 19 in Portland.
Hield: 9.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.3 steals in 26.5 minutes
Shepard = 3.1 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.7 steals in 15.2 minutes
Offensively, there's no denying that Hield is still the better player compared to Shepard. But if Belmont's shots start falling soon, his all-around game could emerge as a better postseason option in Indiana's rotation.
Hield is the Pacers' weakest target defensively, which is why his minutes are starting to decline.
Another interesting point for Hield and the Pacers as the trade deadline approaches has to do with the non-existence of an extension. Indiana offered Hield a contract in the offseason, but Hield's camp quickly rejected it. Still, the positions of both sides in the negotiations appear to be wide apart.
That being said, if both parties know he will be leaving Indiana this summer, it would be wise to consider potential options to upgrade the rotation now and in the future. Hield's high expiring salary allows them to still negotiate for a defensive first wing, the missing link left in Indiana's already loaded rotation.
Will the Pacers and Brooklyn Nets discuss a deal involving Hield for Dorian Finney-Smith or Royce O'Neal? One of the veteran wings from Brooklyn will certainly help Indiana as they play against the Eastern Conference's elite teams like the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks.
The Pacers will likely settle on the trade market, but would be wise to see what value Hield could fetch.
