The Sacramento Kings have something special brewing with the way their team is currently set up. They have talent all over the roster and a young coach who is eager to prove himself to his critics. However, there's one issue that needs to be addressed if they want to succeed in the future: Buddy Hield.
He's been a revelation for the Kings ever since the franchise acquired him in the DeMarcus Cousins trade a couple of years back. However, they are still yet to tie him down to a long-term contract as his rookie deal is coming to a close. Hield knows his price and will not settle for an offer that he deems insulting. Some fans might not be sold on Hield being the long-term solution at shooting guard, but there's are good reasons why the team should aim to get him a max contract.
The obvious reason for him getting the max is his on-court production as of late. He definitely endured hiccups during his first full year as a King, averaging only 13.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists off the bench. Many understandably laughed at Vlade Divac and the rest of the front office for making the move.
However, the Kings switched up their gameplan last season, and its effects on Hield's game was sensational. The fast-paced offense the Kings used saw his averages rise to 20.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. The most impressive thing about his feats last season was that he started every regular-season game, averaging 32 minutes a night. He was an important part of the Kings rotation, and his consistency provided Kings fans reasons to cheer for.
The scariest part? He's only going to improve.
The less obvious motivation for the team to give him the big bucks is their current situation in the NBA landscape. Sure, they want to compete for the playoffs and will do everything they can to recruit the best talent they can get in the offseason.
However, they are the worst Californian team in the association. Counting out the sunny weather and tax benefits that they can provide, they don't have much to offer to free agents. Why would they go to Sac when they can play with Stephen Curry in San Francisco or head to the bright lights and play for either LA team?
Getting Hield tied down to a max deal will ensure that they have a promising core in him and De'Aaron Fox. The Kings need stability, and getting Hield to commit will help build that. Kings fans will be hoping that he will stay in town and sign the dotted line.
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