Behind the Bucks Pass
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3 Buddy Hield trade packages between the Milwaukee Bucks and Pacers

By Dalton Sell

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 15: Buddy Hield #24 of the Indiana Pacers is defended by Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at Fiserv Forum on February 15, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 15: Buddy Hield #24 of the Indiana Pacers is defended by Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at Fiserv Forum on February 15, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Over the last few months, the Milwaukee Bucks have reportedly registered interest in trading for sharpshooting guard Buddy Hield of the Indiana Pacers.

That is according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, who noted that the Bucks are joined by both the Dallas Mavericks and Philadelphia 76ers as interested suitors. If Hield is indeed in the market for a change of scenery, Milwaukee, who could use an upgrade at the starting shooting guard slot, makes sense as a destination.

Since being drafted, Hield has been one of the best shooters league-wide, having made the most triples out of anyone over the past five years. The Bucks are always looking to put more perimeter shooters around Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Hield would be a perfect match. Financially, it would take some string-pulling to match Hield’s $18.6 million salary for next season, but it’s possible.

With all of that said, let us look at three trade packages between the Bucks and Pacers for Hield.

Trade No. 1 between the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers

Though everyone’s favorite tool, the NBA trade machine, will tell you that this trade doesn’t work financially, it does. The rules involving the second apron will not take place until 2024-25, meaning this deal could go through if both teams saw fit. While it could work, would it make sense for both the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers? Mostly.

First and foremost, if the Bucks make any trade, Grayson Allen is almost certainly going to be in it, as his salary makes him extremely useful, especially when trying to get a larger salary like Hield’s. While he’s largely been a fine starting guard for the Bucks, Hield would be an immediate upgrade, meaning Allen’s inclusion should not ruffle too many feathers amongst Bucks fans.

Connaughton, on the other hand, could upset some. While Hield is better, Connaughton has been a key piece on this team for years, including during the 2021 title run, where he proved to be one of the team’s most valuable reserves. Yet, like Allen, he’s got a decently sized salary that could be an important factor in facilitating a deal like this, especially for an upgrade in Hield.

As mentioned in this trade breakdown, Allen and Connaughton could be interesting pieces for the Pacers. If the team were to keep them, they could be veteran presences for a younger team while also providing some solid play on the court. Yet, they could also look to flip the pair for assets at some point as well to stock up further on draft capital or other pieces.

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