The Sacramento Kings are reportedly seeking future assets in exchange for shooting guard Buddy Hield, according to Ian Begley of SNY.
Begley reported the Kings have been asking for “draft compensation,” though it is unknown how many picks they are asking for in talks.
Hield had been the subject of trade rumors throughout the offseason, in part because his social media activity suggested a preference for being traded.
The former Oklahoma star's relationship with head coach Luke Walton soured over the course of the past season, and there were reports Hield had stopped answering Walton's phone calls at the start of the offseason.
But the Kings might not be inclined to move Hield now.
Sacramento elected not to match the Atlanta Hawks' offer sheet for swingman Bogdan Bogdanovic, depriving the Kings of a shooter and secondary playmaker. Bogdanovic also showed a growing ability to spur ball movement and create for himself, which in part explained why Walton went with Bogie over Hield in the starting lineup late in the year.
Without Bogdanovic, however, the Kings are light at the 2-guard spot, and they need to generate as much offense as possible in the backcourt. First-round pick Tyrese Haliburton figures to play a big role in this regard, but Hield has established himself as one of the best shooters in basketball and a legitimate scoring option.
Perhaps Sacramento will change course if presented with the right offer. But Hield is under contract through 2024, and Bogdanovic's departure would seemingly make the Bahamian a focal point of the Kings' future.
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