Buddy Hield

Prediction: Traded to the Memphis Grizzlies

It seemed like a done deal that Buddy Hield was going to be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers before the 2021 NBA Draft. Los Angeles was reportedly sending Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, and the 22nd overall pick in the draft to Sacramento for Hield.

But in the hours before the draft, the Lakers shifted their attention to Russell Westbrook, electing to acquire the all-time triple-double leader over the premier outside shooter.

Even with the deal falling apart, Los Angeles is reportedly still interested in getting Buddy Hield, but I have no clue what the Lakers would be able to offer the Kings now.

Despite Hield having his hopes crushed, I’m confident that he will get traded before the start of next season. Buddy Hield’s role with Sacramento declined a bit this past season due to the young backcourt duo of De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton.

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The Kings also took Davion Mitchell in this year’s draft, giving them another guard. The Memphis Grizzlies seem like an ideal landing spot for Hield as they need more shooting around Ja Morant, Dillon Brooks, and Jaren Jackson Jr.

Memphis was 20th in three-point efficiency in 2020-21, and adding Buddy Hield would drastically improve their perimeter shooting.