Who the Orlando Magic could target for a trade in the Pacific Division

Sacramento Kings: Buddy Hield

Buddy Hield has proven himself as one of the league’s elite three-point shooters during his time at the Sacramento Kings.

The shooting guard knocked down 3.8 per game last season at a rate of 39.4-percent, a decrease from 42.7-percent the previous year. But he attempted almost two more per game.

Orlando needs an energetic guard with excellent shooting and Hield would provide that. At 27 he should be at or approaching his peak and could reach a higher level with a change of scenery. Not to mention he just signed a four-year extension and so would be wrapped up with whoever acquires him for some time.

Despite Hield’s performances, the Kings were unable to make the playoffs again last season and have not reached the postseason since the 2006 season.

Hield is a tremendous offensive talent but the Kings need to get back in the playoffs and may be tempted to sacrifice his talent for a trade which could make the team better.

Things with Sacramento have soured to the point where Hield was coming off the bench last year. There was a fraying of the relationship between player, coach and team.

Sacramento were not the best defensively, ranking 19th for defensive rating by giving up 111.4 points per 100 possessions. They also ranked 25th for defensive rebounds per game at 32.9 and 27th for blocks at 4.1

Offering a defensive prospect like Mohamed Bamba, whose ceiling depends on how effectively he can use his shot-blocking and rebounding abilities, could help address these weaknesses. While he struggled in the postseason, Evan Fournier did have a very good regular season and averaged 18.5 points per game meaning they would have a suitable short-term replacement for Hield.

But with the possible departure of Bogdan Bogdanovic this offseason, whose contract is expiring, Sacramento may be reluctant to lose another talented two guard. Including a draft pick in the deal may make the deal more tempting but it would be a lot to ask the Kings to give up Hield, who they have under contract until 2024.

The only concern is that Hield is not a good playmaker. And certainly not as good a playmaker as Fournier. But Hield’s ability to hit shots at a high rate and spread the floor is something the Magic desperately need.

Hield has quickly become a fan-favorite target for the offseason.