Buddy Hield, Indiana Pacers
It seems like Buddy Hield’s name has been tossed around in trade rumors ever since he first put on a Pacers uniform after a trade from Sacramento in the 2021-22 season. With the rise of rookie Benedict Mathurin, this seems like as good a year as any for Indiana to deal him out and the Mavericks would be amiss not to pursue him.
Hield has always quietly been one of the most underrated supporting players in the league and could easily fill a Brunson-like role alongside Luka. Hield is averaging 17.2 PPG, 4.8 APG, and 2.6 RPG on 42.2% shooting this season. For comparison, Brunson averaged 16.3 PPG, 4.8 APG, and 3.9 RPG with 50.2% from the field last season alongside Doncic.
The Mavericks would essentially be getting Brunson 2.0 with Hield and the 29-year-old would be plenty comfortable as a No. 2 option, evidenced by his complementary play alongside Tyrese Haliburton, Myles Turner, and Mathurin in Indiana.
Hield has been linked in trade rumors to the Lakers but if that deal is still up in the air, the Mavericks would be wise to swoop in and make an offer.