Ranking 76ers free agents by likelihood to return next season
By Tyler Watts
10. Buddy Hield
Hield ended up in Philly after he could not agree to an extension with the Pacers. The 6’4 wing wanted significantly more than Indiana was willing to offer, but there wasn't a robust trade market. The Sixers gave up Furkan Korkmaz, Marcus Morris, and three second-round draft picks to get the sharpshooter on their roster.
Hield did not exactly go off in the City of Brotherly Love. He averaged 12.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 0.8 steals in 25.8 minutes per game during the regular season, but was a non-factor in the playoffs. The 31-year-old scored just two points in the first five games of their series against the Knicks, including two DNP-CDs, before exploding for 20 with six 3-pointers made in the decisive Game 6.
Hield is a career 40 percent 3-point shooter. Yes, there are defensive concerns and fit questions, but elite shooting matters. Expect him to get more than a minimum contract in free agency, which likely seals his departure from the 76ers.
Philadelphia would rather bring back the wings that played a key role in the playoffs. They have Joel Embiid anchoring their roster and want to win a championship. Buddy Hield does not help them accomplish that goal, especially when he comes with a significant salary. If the Sixers bring him back, things have gone wrong this summer.