Orlando Magic
For a team that has struggled with backcourt depth since the days of Jameer Nelson, the Orlando Magic should be viewed as one of the favorites to land Buddy Hield if he’s indeed on the trade block (assuming he’s a player the Magic like). With Markelle Fultz slotted as the starting point guard, and with Evan Fournier possibly leaving in free agency, Hield could be a target to fill their starting shooting guard spot.
Hield could step in as the starting shooting and potentially grow next to Fultz. Hield is coming off a season in which he averaged 19 points, five rebounds, and three assists. Good numbers, but where he struggled this past season was with his shooting numbers. He only shot 43 percent shooting from the field and 39 percent from 3-point range – career-worst numbers (with exception of his rookie season).
Has Hield fallen off as a player? Maybe. However, a new start could very be what Hield needs to have a bounce-back season. A trade to the Magic would give Hield an opportunity to get his career back on track. Plus, he could give a boost this Orlando franchise needs.