Buddy Hield Named Realistic Trade Target For The Dallas Mavericks

Buddy Hield, Mavericks, NBA Rumors
NBA Analysis Network

The Dallas Mavericks have gotten the job done this season, but not in a way we are used to seeing them do it. For years, their success was predicated on an efficient offense that played in high-scoring affairs. This season, the team has locked in on the defensive end, which was needed as the offense has faltered. However, a trade at the NBA deadline could be in order and a guy like Buddy Hield might be a perfect target.

The Mavericks are 27-21 on the season, Jason Kidd’s first as head coach. Whatever he got them to buy into defensively has worked magnificently, as their performance on that end of the court has more than offset the struggles the team has had offensively.

The biggest culprit on the offensive side of the ball is their 3-point shooting. Dallas is 25th in 3-point shooting percentage this season, knocking down only 32.9 percent of their attempts. That number is shockingly low as they have a playmaker in Luka Doncic that draws so much attention from opponents that his teammates are routinely left open around the perimeter.

His 3-point percentage is down this season, along with multiple other teammates. Tim Hardaway Jr., Reggie Bullock, Kristaps Porzingis and Dorian Finney-Smith have all seen their percentages drop this season compared to last season.

Doncic and Porzinigs are both under 30 percent right now. Bullock knocked down 41 percent of his attempts as a 3-and-D specialist for the New York Knicks last season but has seen a more than 10 percent drop, as he is making only 30.9 percent this season.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Players Most Likely To Be Moved At NBA Trade Deadline

Adding some long-range shooting to this roster is something the front office will look to do ahead of the trade deadline. One player to keep an eye on is Buddy Hield of the Sacramento Kings.

Over at Bleacher Report, a piece was put together naming a dream target, realistic target and sneaky target for teams before the trade deadline on February 10th. Hield was named as the Mavericks’ realistic target.

The former Sooner has been available for a while now. It seems more of a when not if, he will be traded. Hield was nearly sent to the Los Angeles Lakers in the offseason before they pivoted to completing a deal with the Washington Wizards for Russell Westbrook.

Hield is shooting 38 percent from the 3-point line this season on high-volume attempts. He is fifth in the NBA with 3.5 3-pointers per game and would bring some juice to a Mavericks team lacking in the shooting department right now.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Time For Knicks To Re-Consider Julius Randle As Cornerstone?

Kidd would have some lineup decisions to make, but Hield has experience as a starting shooting guard, small forward or coming off the bench as the sixth man. He can excel in any of the roles, but the team would likely want to pair him with Doncic as much as possible to take advantage of his long-range shooting.

Another positive to landing Buddy Hield is that his contract de-escalates. While he hasn’t fully lived up to the lofty deal that he signed, the Mavericks will have some more financial flexibility in the future with his yearly salary decreasing throughout his contract. Dallas will be a team to watch closely as the NBA trade deadline draws closer.

NBA Player Under Investigation for Shocking Gambling Scandal

ESPN reported on Monday that Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter faces NBA scrutiny following recent betting discrepancies as the league is “looking into it.” Prop

Massive New NBA Intel on Jrue Holiday’s Celtics Future

The Boston Celtics and Jrue Holiday are on a fast track to securing a long-term contract extension before his looming NBA free agency, and both

Sources: Spurs Eyeing Trade Targets Around Victor Wembanyama

The 2023-24 NBA regular season has not been great for the San Antonio Spurs, who are 15-56, owners of the third worst record in the