Buddy Hield : Will His Future Be with the 76ers In Free Agency?
During the 2024 trade deadline, the Philadelphia 76ers believed they had acquired the top player traded in the NBA by acquiring Buddy Hield from the Indiana Pacers.
As the Sixers are eliminated from the 2024 NBA Playoffs, Buddy Hield will become a free agent when his contract with the Pacers ends.
The 76ers were aware that Buddy Hield might only stay for one year, but they still made the trade with the hope of having him on the team for many years. Following a 32-game stint in Philadelphia and his first-ever playoff appearance, where is Hield’s mindset regarding his upcoming free agency?
“I’m present at the moment – it seems like we didn’t accomplish our goals – I wish to return to Philly,” Hield stated following the Sixers’ loss to the Knicks in Game 6. “They made a trade for me and I sense that they would also value having me.”
Buddy Hield will become a free agent for the first time in his career (via @CiavoNBA) pic.twitter.com/gynU3RdM89
— Philly Sixers Galaxy (@sixers_galaxy) May 3, 2024
Buddy Hield played an average of 26 minutes per game in 32 games. Throughout that period, the experienced player averaged 12 points per game with a 39 percent shooting accuracy from behind the arc. Positive moments were interspersed with periods where Hield had limited responsibilities.
Buddy Hield’s playing time decreased when the Sixers made it to the NBA playoffs. In the opening two matches of the initial round, Hield spent a total of 25 minutes playing. During Game 3, he only played for a total of four minutes on the court. During those three games, Hield scored a total of two points and did not make any of his four three-point shots.
Buddy Hield accumulated DNPs for both Games 4 and 5. In Game 6, the experienced player redeemed himself by playing for 21 minutes, providing a crucial lift to the Sixers in the must-win match. Hield made six of his nine three-point attempts. He netted 20 points in the narrow defeat to New York. Although his team didn’t win, Hield had a more positive personal conclusion to the postseason.
“I arrived at the party after it had already started,” Hield mentioned. Many injuries were reported. The team was doing well before I arrived. I was unable to participate in the rotation at times as they had their preferred players, and I accepted that. Currently, Philadelphia is my main focus. We will find out when the time comes. My agent can be reached with just one phone call, and we’ll find a solution. If not, I will continue diligently working and I believe that God will provide opportunities for me.
Tyrese Maxey credits Buddy Hield for picking him up during a down moment in the fourth quarter:
“I was on the bench and really upset. Really upset with myself, missed three free throws. Turned the ball over. Buddy Hield just kind of grabbed me and said listen dude, you know what… pic.twitter.com/DgzHx3M843
— PHLY Sixers (@PHLY_Sixers) May 1, 2024
The Sixers have many things to consider in the upcoming months. The front office’s plans for bringing Hield back for another season are unknown, but the seasoned sharpshooter appears willing to return if the Sixers are interested.
Daryl Morey on Buddy Hield: “I think at no fault to Buddy, I think the fit was less good than I thought. Most of his time was without Joel, but I thought when Joel was back that his impact and his shooting that he’d get more open shots, and he didn’t. That’s on me that it didn’t… pic.twitter.com/ircuvNQdJm
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 6, 2024