Knicks: Reacting to Ian Begley’s under-the-radar trade targets

The Knicks’ entire offensive complexion would do a 180 if they were to bring Buddy Hield to MSG

Similar to Lonzo Ball, I’ve explored trades for Buddy Hield more times than I can count on both hands.

After a brief period of time when the world thought that the Sacramento Kings were a legitimate playoff contender just a few weeks ago, they’ve fallen back down to earth and currently sit at a 12-16 record which is good enough for 12th place in the Western Conference standings.

I’ve been shouting from the rooftops that the Kings should sell off all their older, valuable assets for draft capital since last season. The only players they should keep on the whole team are De’Aaron Fox and former Knicks’ 2020 draft target, Tyrese Haliburton.

I’d be willing to move Dallas’ 2023 1st, a young player like Knox or Frank, and maybe Reggie Bullock in a deal for Buddy. I think that’s a trade that works well for both parties.

A move for Hield would move RJ Barrett over to the small forward position, which shouldn’t prove to be much of an issue as RJ has improved substantially on defense, so guarding larger players would not be of concern.

In turn, Buddy Hield would bring a prolific scorer and career 41% 3-point shooter to The Garden.
Hield is current on a front-loaded contract where the annual salary actually decreases as the years progress. The highest salaried year was this season at approximately $24 million and the following seasons he’d be making $22 million, $20 million, and finally $18 million before becoming an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2024. This would greatly help the Knicks continue to build around RJ, Hield, and Randle moving forward.

Thumbs up for a Hield trade!