Dallas Mavericks: Could they trade for Buddy Hield? Will the Mavs?

Should the Dallas Mavericks trade for Buddy Hield this offseason?

Hield and the Kings agreed to a rookie extension in Oct. 2019 that pays him $94 million over the next four years. It begins next season. Hield is set to make over $24.4 million in 2021. The Mavs or any other team would have to find a way to match contracts to make the trade work.

The deal is possible. The Mavericks have the contracts to make it happen, but should they be interested in doing it?

Dallas would have to view Hield as a significant upgrade over Tim Hardaway Jr. and see him as their third star long-term. If the Mavericks trade for Hield, they are locked in on significant contract players. He would eliminate them from the free agent market in 2021. The Mavs offseason additions each year would be using their mid-level exception with Hield in Dallas.

Buddy Hield does not move the needle enough to make the trade worth it. Would the Mavericks be better with him on the roster? Yes, but not significantly. Hardaway Jr. is likely a better all-around player. Hield is the better shooter, but his defense has been poor in Sacramento. The Mavericks can find a better fit as their third pillar.

Next: Will Mavs trade for Hield?